This document discusses differences between British and American senses of humor. It defines types of humor like irony, jokes, and sarcasm. British humor is characterized mainly by sarcasm and finding humor in misfortunes. British jokes are told with a serious tone, making the intent hard to discern. American humor often addresses anxieties around issues like class, sexism, and racism through comedy. While British see American humor as superficial, Americans find British humor too sophisticated and cold to understand fully.

1. British and American
sense of humor
Names:
Gabriela Calvo
Beatriz Ganga

2. Introduction
Sense of humour (AmE humor) an ability to see the funny
side of life, is considered essential by most British and
American people.
Humour is a phenomenon which is influenced by culture.
Factors: age, personal experience, level of education and
geographical location.

3. Definitions
Irony: Someone says the
opposite of what they mean and
the listener believes the
opposite of what they said.
Joke: short story ending with a
funny climactic twist
Sarcasm: using
witty language to
convey insults or
scorn.

4. Definitions
Slapstick: a boisterous
form of comedy marked
by
chases, collisions, and
crude practical
jokes, like slipping on
banana skins.
Clown: to act stupidly, often to make
other people laugh.
Anecdote: any interesting
event, either having to do with
a celebrity or something
smaller, that helps the
humourist make a point

5. British humour
“It is clear that humour is far superior to humor” Oscar
Wilde
The main feature in the British
humor is definitely the SARCASM.
The macabre, the absurd, the
ironies of life and the misfortunes
own and others are usually the
center of the target of British
comic spirit

6. British humour
Childish behavior

7. British humour
Very important!
when you are talking with British people, they say jokes
with a serious tone, and you don t know when they're
kidding you, so to understand them, you must be
connected with the conversation.

8. British humour

9. American Humor
It's interesting how often
American comedy is about
classism, sexism, elitism, raci
sm and immigration issues, all
diseases of our society.
It is through humor that
Americans overcome their
anxieties and discomfort with
these issues.

10. American Humor

11. American Humor
Lol has gone from
meaning, "laugh out loud"
to "I have
nothing else to say".
Obituaries would be a lot more
interesting if they told you
how the person died.
"just
kidding!!"
"If you don't come out
tonight, I'm going to have
you shot... just kidding!”

12. American Humor

13. Conclusion
• British use irony on a daily basis, whereas it is
not the foundation of American humour.
• American are more slapstick than British.
• British use childish behaviour.
For the British, American comedies are too superficial.
For Americans, British comedies are so sophisticated
and cold that it is hard to understand them.