5 Ways British and American Humor is Very Different

[@alm5693]

I just went through a background check to buy into co-op housing, and the property manager told me that my check had come back perfectly clean, nothing bad on it at all. I told her I was just really good at being sneaky. The silence that followed told me that I should never ever joke with a co-op property manager again.

[@jchrisj200]

If you can't be good, be good at it.

[@gblakev]

@@jchrisj200 Or: If you can't be good , be great!

[@MelaniaSideWigga]

That will usually prompt us Americans to then dust for prints

[@TheYpurias]

Just like I don't joke about bombs in airports, or about mailing odd substances to the USPS.

[@frangy865]

🤣🤣🤣🤣 Brilliant

[@kenbrown2808]

whenever a brit says americans don't get sarcasm, my response is always the same. "yeah, we yanks would never do sarcasm."

[@johnl5316]

'sarcasm' involves mockery by definition. It is a subset of ironic humor. Do the Brits value mockery?

[@fermisparadox01]

@@johnl5316 Stop it ! 😂😂😂 your sarcasm is killing me! 🤣🤣🤣

[@Og-Judy]

Sarcasm? What sarcasm? Whatever do you mean?🤣🤣🤣

[@ryanawilson8549]

God, I hope we get sarcasm. Otherwise, I will literally never be understood.

[@debrawhite751]

@@fermisparadox01 "Such a fine line between stupid and clever." David St. Hubbins

[@dinahmays510]

Hay don’t forget about Hyacinth from Keeping Up Appearances! She still cracks me up!

[@michael121691]

I'm an American who has lived in the UK for nearly 6 years now. My british friends recently told me that they finally understand when I'm sarcastic. People I've known for half a decade only just now figured me out. Brits like to pretend they have exclusivity in sarcasm but like you said, the style of sarcasm is just different. Americans tend to miss british sarcasm and Brits tend to miss American sarcasm.

[@steveisthecommissar4013]

At risk of sounding stupid what are the major differences

[@exrobowidow1617]

I'm an American who has lived in the U.S. all my life. People often don't get when I'm serious or not. I guess I have to be more blatant about when I'm being sarcastic.

[@funnyusername8635]

My husband used to work with a lot of Brits and this was the conclusion they also came to. I will say that my husband picked up on their sarcasm before they picked up on his, maybe because they weren't expecting it from him while he was absolutely expecting it from them.

[@cam4636]

@@exrobowidow1617 Same. I've had to take to speaking plainly & straightforwardly at work, which as you can imagine is a terrible burden.

[@nicholashodges201]

@@steveisthecommissar4013 personally I feel American sarcasm tends to be more ostentatious and a bit in your face. We tend to change our vocal pitch when we do it too. British sarcasm is much more deadpan and delivered with a normal speaking voice without the pitch or tonal change. One big exception is if we're using sarcasm to call someone an idiot. Then it's the most straight faced British delivery you can image, but with just enough stupidity that hopefully the target realizes you're being a smart@$$ and bystanders aren't sure.

[@robpolaris7272]

Americans absolutely use and understand sarcasm. However, Brits tend to deliver it exactly they same way they say everything else. Americans will add some kind of exaggerated voice, facial expression or body movement to indicate it’s sarcasm. We get confused when it’s delivered with zero indication of sarcasm that we in the US pick up on.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Sometimes, it depends on whether or not we want to toy with the recipient. If I like somebody, I'll give them the wink and a nod. If I don't like them, or I think they're bright, I won't bother. It's kind of a joke for me to enjoy.

[@pezushka]

Yeah but that's the whole fun of it, it's like when I read comments that end with "/s", I always think you're basically saying "I am shit at irony" and/or "you're terrible at reading irony". It's bizarre, irony isn't interesting if it's obvious or easy to read, it has to be difficult to be interesting.

[@Uruz2012]

​@@pezushkaThat's how online arguments happen.

[@pezushka]

@@Uruz2012 yeah because people have no sense of irony.

[@Ardsgaine]

@@pezushka Irony involves making a counterfactual statement. In order for people to detect your irony, they have to know what you consider counterfactual. If you say, "Laurence is so funny," I won't know whether you're being ironic or not, if I don't know whether you like Laurence's brand of humor. Or humour. So criticizing someone's ability to sus out your irony is just a way of criticizing their inability to read your mind. It's not very fair. Of course, if you are doing it in order to poke fun at them anyway, then you're golden. Don't expect them to laugh with you, though, if you're laughing at them.

[@generalZee]

There was once an American Football player named "Dick Butkus" (pronounced Butt-Kiss). Sadly, he was not a tight end.

[@neolithicnobody8184]

Legendary NASCAR Driver Dick Trickle comes to mind when names are mentioned. lol

[@markbradley7323]

@@neolithicnobody8184 🤣

[@cw5312]

And he played for DA-BEARS....

[@generalZee]

@@cw5312 Hello fellow Jackal!

[@1ong1ashes]

We used to live near a street called Hurlbutt. We had some chuckles over that.

[@JoeMama410]

I (an American) worked with a guy for 3 years before he started to recognize my sarcasm. I figured that the outlandish things I said would give it away despite my flat delivery. I had to intentionally add the telltale smile and wink you mentioned for the sake of my audience.

[@triple_x_r_tard]

maybe you're just handicapped mentally. had you yet considered that we're just going easy on you?

[@Uruz2012]

Yeah, you have to indicate that you aren't serious or people will think you're serious. That's how sarcasm works.

[@SeliahK]

I actually think that the biggest difference in American vs UK humor is the delivery of it. You Brits are delightfully good at delivering your sarcasm with that deadpan, dry tone and facial expressions... and I love you for it! We Americans certainly do have a tendency to deliver ours with deliberately exaggerated tone of voice, body language and facial expression. I love both. I have spent far too much time thoroughly enjoying both to pick one, or to put either one down. They're both so good! LOL

[@mattjones8523]

I will say using the British model is more useful in a workplace setting.

[@stanleymyrick4068]

@@mattjones8523 Especially if you continue on speaking and don't stop to let it sink in to the unexpecting victim. But really, where's the fun in that. If I go to the effort to grace someone with good sarcasm, I want it to be recognized.

[@johnl5316]

@@mattjones8523 SARCASM: "A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule. A form of wit characterized by the use of such remarks. A biting taunt or gibe, or the use of such a taunt; a bitter, cutting expression; a satirical remark or expression, uttered with scorn or contempt; in rhetoric, a form of irony; bitter irony."

[@johnl5316]

@@stanleymyrick4068 SARCASM: "A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule. A form of wit characterized by the use of such remarks. A biting taunt or gibe, or the use of such a taunt; a bitter, cutting expression; a satirical remark or expression, uttered with scorn or contempt; in rhetoric, a form of irony; bitter irony."

[@urphakeandgey6308]

I'd say there's a lot of variances in American sarcasm. Yes, most people probably do it in the over-exaggerated "can't-miss-it-if-I-tried" way, but I've met plenty of people that like to make sneaky sarcastic remarks in a deadpan way. It's funnier when people notice. If people don't, then they're missing out.

[@tobarstep]

Also worth noting that Terry Gilliam - who did quite a lot of the writing for Monty Python - is American.

[@mandac.7478]

When you cited Airplane and The Naked Gun, I was honestly surprised that Mel Brooks was absent in the lineup. Where American comedy excels is parody. Everyone has a favorite Weird Al song. Most people can quote a Mel Brooks movie. The Onion, the Daily Show, countless mockumentaries. Americans live for parody.

[@Fishmorph]

It's all about prosody - patterns of stress and intonation that indicate meaning. Brits have their own version which they are accustomed to hearing, and Americans have theirs. A Brit might therefore *intend* something to be ironic, but the joke is delivered in an intonation that the American ear doesn't recognize.

[@RandomJane104]

Exactly! I can hear both but apparently not everyone can.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Yep, and it's why Monty Python did that episode in Germany. Neither country has any idea how to be funny, but they did have a bit of a go at forcing their humor on the other during not one but 2 World Wars.

[@riggs20]

I don’t know. I found both of his sarcastic Sheboygan phone calls equally funny. 😊

[@TheMidnightPhil]

I liked Tim Minchin's take, which refuted the common opinion of many British and Australian comedy fans that Americans don't get sarcasm or irony. In his view, what Americans don't get is ABSURDITY, and I think he has a point. Stephen Fry pointed out that American culture has this idea that anything can be done in principle and that you have full agency over your life, and I think that's what's at play here: It's hard to grasp absurdity if you think everything is controllable. When confronted with absurdist humor, many Americans blink with confusion and say, "Well that doesn't make sense," or, "Why didn't they solve this by doing x, y, or z." American culture conditions many people to think that if you work hard enough anything is possible, and that if your dreams don't come true you've got no one to blame but yourself. Absurdism is the observation that many things happen wholly outside of your control.

[@fugithegreat]

Which is totally ironic because American culture itself is bringing itself to such absurd situations and then denies the absurdity. It's like that meme with the dog in the burning room, insisting that everything is fine. Abstraction and absurdity fly right over most Americans' heads.

[@arthurterrington8477]

Another quote I have seen (by 'anon') is that in the USA life is full of hope, but serious; however for the British life is hopeless, but not serious.

[@tootz1950]

I'm an American living in Turkey and the UK and I don't understand absurdity? LMFAO

[@rucker69]

@@tootz1950 this is KZbin comments, the text you see on your screen isn't directed at you specifically

[@johnopalko5223]

@@rucker69 It might be. Who knows what Google is up to these days? Maybe they insert specific messages to certain people among all the other comments. If nothing else, it would make a great _Black Mirror_ episode.

[@jcortese3300]

My dad used to say that British humor came in three types: raunchy, morbid, and incomprehensible. Then again, he thought the campfire scene in "Blazing Saddles" was the apex of American cinema.

[@patricialavery8270]

It is.lol

[@Jim73]

lol, why do all those guys think that's so funny

[@ivermec-tin666]

@@Jim73 Pull my finger, and I will let you in on the secret.

[@altortugas5979]

Not the toll booth?

[@alicewilloughby4318]

@@altortugas5979 What about Lily's performance int he saloon?

[@michaellay7164]

Your description of British comedy is exactly why I decided to follow this channel. I love the fact that every joke is delivered with a straight face. Your tone never changes for an instant throughout the entire episode, so the comedy for me just comes out in these little "-wait... Did he just say?..." moments, which I find delightful.

[@johnl5316]

SARCASM: "A cutting, often ironic remark intended to express contempt or ridicule. A form of wit characterized by the use of such remarks. A biting taunt or gibe, or the use of such a taunt; a bitter, cutting expression; a satirical remark or expression, uttered with scorn or contempt; in rhetoric, a form of irony; bitter irony."

[@bradleyheck7204]

No, his tone definitely changes, which is the clue that he is doing a bit of levity, but he doesn't go broad with the "Do ya get it?!" expresions and body language trying to sell the bit. That is really the main difference. Brits don't mug as much for higher-level humor.

[@michelegraham1181]

I once had a pen pale from England who accused the US of not having a sense of humor and then proceeded to fill his letters with Family Guy and classic Simpsons quotes whenever he was trying to get a point across. I guess he didn't see the irony.

[@heathercutler5114]

Having grown up watching Britcoms on PBS, and Benny Hill (when I got to stay up late on school nights), I love both British and American humor in many of their forms. 😊

[@timothy4664]

Lol. I just commenter that America loves British comedy and PBS proves it

[@jwb52z9]

@@timothy4664 That's right!

[@heathercutler5114]

@Jim Allen I'd have to agree on Monty Python. I didn't get to see their stuff till a little later, when cable TV came to our town. I did get to watch Fawlty Towers early on though.

[@heathercutler5114]

@Jim Allen exactly!

[@andrewmurray9350]

Weirdly, most Brits don't like Benny Hill.

[@LolaMexica]

One of my favorite shows ever is "Keeping Up Appearances." It's a comfort show for me.

[@MrKronikDeception]

Having been a rabid Monty Python fan for more years I care to admit, the British have a knack for the "straight man" delivery. Americans can do it well, but there is something about the image of the "stiff upper lip, good, upright Queensman" that already sets up the punchlines before the joke even starts.

[@cbpd89]

I am not sure I know a single person over 25 who can't quote huge chunks of Monty Python's Holy Grail (and their other sketches, but that one especially.) Can confirm, is Americans really love Monty Python. There really is something about a posh accent delivering absurd lines that adds a certain spice to it that delights me.

[@MrAmptech]

I hear the shots for that are quite painful........

[@marysmith6671]

Ahem: Bob Newhart.

[@AlexKS1992]

Lol, your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries.

[@Rutabega_NG]

@@marysmith6671 of course there are exceptions.

[@bradleyheck7204]

One quibble. You mentioned "Airplane!" and "The Naked Gun" as slapstick. Those are actually absurdist with slapstick elements. The Pythons, The Young Ones, Seasons 2-4 of Blackadder, The League of Gentlemen and others could answer the same description.

[@neuvocastezero1838]

One quibble, he stated that "Airplane" " _makes considerable use of slapstick"._

[@guyincognito143]

Watch again.

[@Kris-wp3fm]

The hilarious thing to me about Brits lockstep believing they have some of the most subtle humor in the world is that when watching humor from a culture other than their own the aspects they'd be most likely to miss... would... be... the subtleties. Another funny thing about that? British sitcoms? Wall-to-wall pratfalls!

[@Luscombag]

Lawrence, your sense of humor is what keeps me coming back to watch more of your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@danadnauseam]

To quote Groucho, "When love walks in the door, sex flies innuendo." As for British contributions to slapstick, it should be noted that Stan Laurel wrote and directed many of the Laurel and Hardy films.

[@charlynegezze8536]

And in the early silent films many Briish vaudevillians were imported precisely because they were masters of slapstick.

[@be6715]

@@charlynegezze8536 He missed Harold Lloyd too.

[@robinchesterfield42]

Also, if I may quote (if I'm remembering correctly) the great John Cleese: "There's nothing wrong with sex on television, as long as you don't fall off." ...this made more sense back when TVs were big chonky boys, but hopefully you get the idea. :P

[@chicyclegmail]

I believe the quotation is from Monkey Business: That's what I always say. Love flies out the door when money comes innuendo

[@kimberlypatton9634]

The old "You Bet Your Life " show with Groucho hosting was a prime example of humor at it's very best! Groucho was indeed so far ahead of his time (and 1950's audience!) that most of his jokes and sideways innuendoes go right over the heads of the contestants and audience.If you listen closely to some of the shows you can hear at times a small portion of those laughing that do GET the joke,the rest laugh nervously because it either was "supposed to be " funny and they don't get it or that the times were very restrictive socially then.Groucho is a true genius and he had his shtick down to a fine art!

[@tallactordude]

I’ve always been a fan of British comedy, and I but you’re right that we both have an equal amount of the various kinds of humor, even if it manifests a little differently. But this video did a great job of summing up the similarities and differences both of humor on either side of the pond.

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

They both have flat eartebhrs, but the USA has way more due to much more children being brain washed into religion!

[@billolsen4360]

Fell in love with British comedy watching Mrs Slocum and Mr Humphreys run Grace Brothers

[@robinchesterfield42]

@@billolsen4360 For me it was seeing a marathon of the old BBC miniseries of "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" on my local PBS station when I was about 14. NEVER looked back, never wanted to! By the way, anyone seen my towel?

[@billolsen4360]

@@robinchesterfield42 I'd better look that up. Never saw "Hitchhikers." My wife still roars with laughter at "Keeping Up Appearances."

[@rj-zz8im]

I think we do absolutely understand sarcasm. What I think we, as well as the British, have a difficult time interpreting another's sarcasm when it comes from a different dialect or culture. If that makes sense...It's the same when you encounter a different culture or race in your own country and there's an initial barrier in the understanding of one another's humor, anger, etc...

[@robertgronewold3326]

I'm American, and I have watched British comedy ever since I was a kid. However, I will say that some British comedies are full of too many 'in-jokes'. Someone will make a joke about some British politician traveling through a suburb of a middling sized British town in the company of a soccer star we've never heard of, and the humor, though likely good to people in the know of those people and the location, can just fall flat on American ears.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

That's always the case, and rarely a good idea. There's little point in watching American programs like Murphy Brown in syndication because the shows were topical and for most people if you weren't there, and aren't currently in the mood for it, it falls flat.

[@thomsboys77]

Same applies to Americans comedies

[@robertgronewold3326]

@@thomsboys77 Definitely true. Likely why my favorite American comedy is Frasier.

[@frangy865]

I think you'll find that's because we're a tiny island so we know a little about everyone here😉

[@robertgronewold3326]

@@frangy865 Oh, I have no doubt, and the same with American comedies. Though it does help when you try to balance out with more situational jokes. Everyone around the world can laugh at a flaming stove or sexy aunt joke, not everyone gets a joke about Detroit or Middlesborough. lol

[@GoettingRx]

And here I thought an innuendo was an Italian suppository…

[@LowKoLissa]

In the hospital many years ago after a bad wreck, I'd broken a rib (among other things). Hurt myself all over again watching Fawlty Towers with my husband while healing up. Worth it. 😂

[@GavinsMarineMom]

Basil beating his car. It never gets old.

[@cuchupacu]

my first thought was when he stops to give his car a good thrashing (even though he’s in a hurry). that’ll do it!

[@lilblondiebear]

Just whatever you do, don't mention the war!

[@juliayoung537]

Thank you so much! I truly enjoy your "dry" sense of humor 🤣👍

[@krystalsmith849]

It depends on the American when dealing with sarcasm. My family does a lot of sarcasm, but it doesn’t come out mean. It’s the intent behind it. We are just being witty with each other. On the other hand, there are people who can’t do sarcasm without sounding mean. I love British humor and American humor for different reasons.

[@vociferonheraldofthewinter2284]

I can only reply to Brits who say we don't get humor with one thing - Mel Brooks.

[@amystarke3317]

This was almost like watching a film with all the different camera angles, montages, etc. Well done.

[@RonSparks2112]

Love the podium.

[@bowen324]

3:31 You forgot about Butte, MT (Pronounced Beaute). It was a mining town, using a vertical mine, the Butte Hole. All of the rock they didn't use got thrown into two piles, the Butte Cheeks. The mine was in use until about 20 or so years ago when it started taking in toxic water.

[@Musicchick60]

@@deejayguppy-n8zuh, it comes up from the ground.

[@EastWind123]

I was in high school in the 80's. Three things happened in a very short time that made me realize there was "all this other" comedy out there, and much of it was exactly my cup of tea. I found Douglas Adams, The Young Ones, and Monty Python. It was a whole different world, and it really appealed to me. I became a bit of a snobbish Anglophile, seeking out everything I could find. Much later, when I heard they were going to make an American version of The Office, I was APPALLED. Then, whaddaya know, it turned out to be truly great. So, cheers to both! And Canada, who gave us Norm and Kids in the Hall. And Australia and New Zealand, who gave us Summer Heights High and What We Do In the Shadows. And this is officially the longest comment I've ever written on a KZbin video.

[@edwarddore7617]

What We Do In The Shadows, the movie and show, are excellent.

[@Blue_Star_Child]

I've been watching watching Monty Python forever but my husband introduced me to the Young Ones and Kids in the Hall. Both great. And the Mighty Boush. Love 'Ol Greg and his mixed up downstairs.

[@robinchesterfield42]

Ohmygod, that's almost EXACTLY me. The "was a teen in the '80s, found British humor through Monty Python and Douglas Adams" thing. I wouldn't say I became a snob, just slightly even weirder than I already was. I went around quoting the lines from the BBC "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" miniseries out loud, complete with the character's accent as close as I could; people thought I was in Drama class and asked what play I was rehearsing for. XD Did your high school/nerdish cadre also have that thing where as soon as someone hits a certain age, they see and get OBSESSED with Monty Python and the Holy Grail, or was that just my school? I swear, I saw it happen so many times, and always when the kid was in the same grade (including me). Speaking of Yank teens getting in British humour...

[@EastWind123]

@@robinchesterfield42 I was about as nerdy as it gets. I was in band and on the math league. And my little friend group was discovering all this stuff together. I'm pretty sure we were juniors. We would sit at lunch quoting The Young Ones (which I can still do) and of course, doing whole scenes from Holy Grail. My favorite then and now is, "I'm French! Why do you think I have this OUTRAGEOUS accent, you silly king?" 🤣 By the time I was in college, I had a whole collection of CDs of Monty Python songs and sketches, and had many of them memorized. Such a dork!

[@exrobowidow1617]

Some of my friends in high school in the '70s also discovered Monty Python. We were transitioning from slide rules to calculators, and analog clocks to digital clocks. But our TVs still had tubes. We also had Dr. Demento on the radio, which my friends loved.

[@Mick_Ts_Chick]

Ha, I'm glad you mentioned the movie Airplane. That is one of the silliest movies ever and I absolutely love it. If you don't pay attention to what's going on in the background then you miss half the laughs. I also love the 3 Stooges. When we were kids we always loved Benny Hill since he had a kind of naughty humor we didn't get here in the US much. As for sarcasm, I think we sound very snarky with the delivery and Brits come off with a more "normal" tone of voice. If you don't know the person very well, you have to figure out if they are serious or not.

[@GUNUFofficial]

I recommend mel brooks movies, naked gun 1-3, scary movie 1-2 and maybe 3 idk i havent seen that one yet. And the HOLY GRAIL OF AMERICAN COMEDY, the muppets.

[@aguynamednathan]

You want subtle sarcasm from America? Look no further than the classic Simpson's seasons. THAT is the peak of American humor in my never humble opinion.

[@allanwidner9276]

It's the subtlety and absolute commitment to playing the most absurd thing as if it was serious that I love about British humor. Oh - and "rude" humor done with finesse.

[@Arcanist_Gaming]

Once again, *why* is thee not a "flag as scam" reporting option on here, Jesus H. Christ.

[@laurahubbard6906]

Thank W. S. Gilbert for that. He told his actors that comedy was always funnier when played seriously and put his foot down when an actor played it silly.

[@jek__]

@@Arcanist_Gaming There is for me? Maybe its a browser/app restriction, I'm on a desktop computer. The first option for reporting is "Unwanted commercial content or spam"

[@cherylcogan3542]

@@Arcanist_Gaming go to the three dots to the right of the message - it gives the option of answer or report.

[@Arcanist_Gaming]

@@jek__ I am also on a desktop computer (I use both Opera and Chrome, neither have the option). There's hate speech, bullying, sexual content, misinformation, threats of harm, terrorism and child abuse. I've checked like 10 times. EDIT: Oh yeah, and self harm. Forgot that one. Still no "impersonation" or "scam" option. Are you on a Mac, by chance? 'Cause none of the browsers on my Windows PC, be it in the full comments or the little drop down thing, have that option.

[@1Freddie55]

Once again, proving why you are indeed THE true internet sensation that you are! 👏

[@JCSAXON]

You missed “Big Bone Lick State Park, KY”, etc.. The highway exit signs are remarkable and often lead passing travelers to question their perception and wonder if they’ve been driving long enough to hallucinate…

[@delithnutkins6017]

Love the last thing you did was open your curtains and let the sunshine stream in. A very subtle joke on the UK’s lack of it. Brilliant

[@gl15col]

You had me at "Naked Gun" and "Airplane". If you did a comedy club gig where I live (that little section of hell called Nebraska) I'd go, even tho I've avoided all efforts to make me go to any kind of gathering for 2 years.

[@johnspikes8102]

I found the American sitcom "Frasier" to be the closest thing to a British comedy. The sparkling wit and the quick repartee between the two brothers, Frasier and Niles, are as good as it gets. It is what I would classify as a high brow comedy.

[@paulqueripel3493]

I remember one episode that was a first class Whitehall Farce, Brian Rix would have struggled to match it. People entering and exiting with impeccable timing, all getting the wrong end of the stick.

[@catherinelw9365]

@@paulqueripel3493 Sounds like the Ski Lodge episode?

[@paulqueripel3493]

@@catherinelw9365 that seems right, I've only seen it once.

[@CeriseGrist]

Dude, you did mention slap stick comedian Harold Lloyd. He was a legend

[@KY_CPA]

03:38 There's also a Bigbone Lick State Park. After more than a decade, I still chuckle to myself every time I see that sign on my way to Cincy

[@FulcanMal]

Americans not understanding sarcasm is a lot like people on the internet not understanding sarcasm. How the hell are you suppose to if there is no tone to indicate that you aren't being serious? Because I promise whatever sarcastic thing you are saying, someone out there means it for real.

[@aliencat11]

Love your sense of humor!!! Been watching British tv since the 80s, and films as well. Keep up the great work!

[@hairyairey]

If you don't mind it's spelt humour 😂

[@aliencat11]

@@hairyairey ❤🤣

[@maxpowr90]

Don't worry Laurence, we're sending James Cordon back to the UK soon enough.

[@BillPeschel]

God, yes!

[@LindaC616]

Will they send Reggie with?

[@monkeytennis7477]

I'll build you a friggin' box!

[@loonygirl4047]

I was raised watching Keeping Up Appearances, Waiting for God, and Are you Being Served? Aa an adult they are funnier than most American shows. I am an American who absolutely loves British Comedy.

[@marylyn5965]

I'm adding One Foot in the Grave, Birds of a Feather, On the Buses, Allo Allo, AbFab and French and Saunders.

[@jasonlescalleet5611]

A PBS watcher? I’m very familiar with Keeping up Appearances and Are You Being Served from the local PBS station. I still sometimes intentionally pronounce the word “bucket” as “bouquet.” Some great British TV on PBS. I am old enough that I watched classic Doctor Who on PBS (this was *looong* before the revival). Tom Baker is *still* the Doctor for me.

[@cynthiajohnston424]

@@jasonlescalleet5611 Yes ! I'd write more but have much to do before guests arrive for one of my candlelight suppers ... 😀

[@cynthiajohnston424]

Adding : The Vicar of Dibley & To the Manor Born 😀

[@cynthiajohnston424]

Totally agree ! I do think that " Frasier " is the closest we Americans come to matching Brit. comedy . Brilliant cast , intelligent writers , witty , dry humor ( humour ? ) full of subtleties , etc. & physical comedy often a mere gesture but oh so " loud " in meaning !

[@cabe3958]

Brits in America trying to use self deprecating humor and only getting concerned looks in return is my favorite form of culture shock

[@lennybuttz2162]

"I'm a Lumberjack and that's OK" ROFLOL!!!! I loved Monty Python but I was only 13 when it aired here on PBS. I had to sneak out of bed and keep the sound turned down low so i didn't wake my mom. To be honest I loved the British comedy shows aired on PBS but it was the occasional nudity that kept me coming back for more. I told you I was 13. HBO wasn't available until I was 16.

[@mhoop1]

I've introduced a few people to British Humor with "8 out of 10 cats does Countdown." We're really going to miss Sean Lock.

[@chickenfishhybrid44]

Some people just dont find some things funny and that's fine. Its hilarious to me how hard people insist if you say you dont particularly love British comedy that you must just be too stupid, you just dont get etc. You can get something, understand why it's suppose to be funny and still just not get a laugh. Get over it

[@Uncultured_Barbarian465]

I grew up on both American and British Comedy. I used to discuss Monty Python's Flying Circus with some of my buds at school. Years later would quote The Black Adder with a coworker, especially the Unspeakably Violent Jack bit. And that ending to Blackadder when he goes over the wall with the rest ... what a gut punch that is.

[@letsseeif]

In Melbourne Aussie, an American friend and I were about to drive down the Eastern Freeway. I thought I knew him well. I said. "Australians think that Americans have an 'irony bypass' ". He looked shocked and we drove to my house in total silence.

[@letsseeif]

🙂

[@bb1111116]

I’ve heard the difference between US and British comedy discussed by Stephen Fry, where the US comedian is confident, making fun of others while the British comic is insecure and making fun of him/herself. Or put another way, US comedy ends happy while British Comedy ends with everything turning to cr@p. * It’s a generalization but often this is true.

[@cbpd89]

Is that why everyone hated the Seinfeld finale? 😆

[@pXnTilde]

Wat? The majority of comedy in the US is self deprecating

[@bb1111116]

@@pXnTilde ; yeah US comedy began to change (Woody Allen, Larry David, Jim Gaffigan). Old timers like me remember how it used to be (Bob Hope, the Marx brothers, Don Rickles). - A classic comparison from the 70s would be John Belushi in Animal House versus John Cleese in Fawlty Towers. Belushi eventually wins every confrontation from smashing a guitar to getting the cheerleader at the end. In Fawlty Towers, Cleese almost always comes out the loser. - Another classic comparison; Monty Python and the Holy Grail where King Arthur is repeatedly disrespected and eventually is arrested. Compare that to Trading Places where Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd eventually outwit bad guys and they become millionaires. Aykroyd also gets Jamie Lee Curtis. - More classic comparisons; several Mel Brooks comedies such as Young Frankenstein and Blazing Saddles where the good guys are the winners. Compare that with Terry Gilliam (who became a Brit) and who made Brazil where the hero eventually goes insane. - Getting into the 1990s and the 2000s US movies like The Mask with Jim Carrey and Tropic Thunder have the classic wisecracking US comedy where the heroes are the winners. Compare that with what imo is essential British comedy in Love Actually where while there are winners there are plenty of characters who suffer dealing with cheating and death.

[@flyonthewall8122]

I would think George Carlin might be the exception. I miss him.

[@bb1111116]

@@flyonthewall8122 ; to make British style comedy more clear I suggest watching a comedy/mockumentary series called “Very British Problems”. I think it’s very funny and it’s on KZbin. As for Carlin, I love his comedy. From his early days all the way to the end. Brilliant. - He’s a classic US comedian. A confident style making fun of others. Very little is directed towards himself.

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

I've never laughed so hard as when watching "How Not to be Seen" for the first time. I actually got a job once by quoting "Holy Grail" during my interview. The panel were huge Monty Python nerds and they instantly knew I was one of them.

[@robinchesterfield42]

That is badass. If that happened to me during an interview, I'd immediately KNOW I had come to the right company. XD (Something similar did happen once--I interviewed in a room that had a Star Wars planet name on the wall, and found out as I went through a little bit more of the building, they _all_ had different Star Wars planet/moon names. Turns out I'd found a company of fellow sci-fi nerds. My main working room was "Endor". :))

[@JasonTaylor-po5xc]

@@robinchesterfield42 I worked for a company like that too, but they had an excuse - they were Disney. Each floor had its own theme and conference rooms were named accordingly.

[@susanbrown5080]

Well done Laurence,being your mum I found myself saying bless him at the end of the performance.

[@andrewmurray9350]

Hi Susan, remember me? I'm Laurence's daddy. Unfortunately! :-)

[@honeybadgerisme]

@@andrewmurray9350 Daddy? Ok, have you been hanging around Uncle Toby?

[@csabameszaros7441]

As a child of the 80s, I remember when MTV was showing The Young Ones every Sunday evening, and each week I’d watched it religiously.

[@capitalb5889]

Me too. I was too young to enjoy all of it, but it was great.

[@carnifaxx]

I find American humour somewhat "needy"... I mean British vs. American comedians are something like cats vs. dogs - if cats bring you a gift (e.g. a dead mouse), they put it into your shoe while you're not looking and go away already amused by the idea of you finding it by putting your foot inside... while dogs would run around you with the gift almost desperately waiting to hear they were a "good boy."

[@monicapdx]

Loved this! 👏👏👏 One of my bosses didn't understand sarcasm. I'm *very* sarcastic. Used to drive me nuts when I'd forget, and he'd proceed to take me seriously. I think that's one of the reasons he didn't think I was too terribly bright at times. I heartily returned the favor. 😁

[@johnbutler5650]

I think that American humor tends to be more observational, while British humour tends to be more absurdist. Satire is common to both countries, however, our particular takes on it is different. The Young Ones killed!

[@cynthiajohnston424]

" The great state of Chicago , just north of Illinois ... " Living in east central Il. , that's perfectly stated ! Entire video is brilliant !

[@censusgary]

It’s impossible to overstate the influence Monty Python has had on American culture, especially on my generation of Americans. I was a teenaged boy when “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” was first aired on American TV. Many, if not most, Americans my age, especially males, can recite Monty Python sketches word-for-word. The visual humor and visual style of Monty Python has also been tremendously influential in America.

[@danielderamus9573]

I think the bbc shaped British comedy in a way that didn’t happen on this side of the pond without so singular of an authority. Most of the items of comedy you compared are things that were televised or broadcast. I’ve seen monty python as requiring thought to get most of the jokes fully, tho many of their jokes can been silly and still funny even if one doesn’t take the time to notice some of the grander ironies happening. Not many American comedians get famous for doing that but python really was a unique case also wasn’t one them American by birth? You’re channel is great Lawrence!

[@Sophie.S..]

As a British person I find your sense of humour absolutely hilarious and your take on British v US sarcasm spot on. In fact I have never known anyone with more perception.

[@sharonschroeder5233]

Oh! That explains why people don't get my sarcasm. I'm supposed to wink and smile. And I've been an American all my life!

[@arthurterrington8477]

Simon Pegg noted that in the UK, irony is like our kettles. Always bubbling away in the corner, constantly used. Whereas in the USA it's reserved for special occasions.

[@lisahumphries3898]

Yes, we get sarcasm. We get it from British people all the time. 😘

[@Matiyahu]

I wonder how impactful American comedy has been in the UK: Mark Twain, The Marx Brothers all the way to Seinfeld, the Simpsons, Arrested Development, Dave Chapelle, Bill Burr, Larry David, etc.?

[@Mahoujanai]

Mr. Bean is a worldwide treasure. I watched him as a kid in the late 90s in the US and I always smile when I see Rowan Atkinson play as Mr. Bean.

[@Satine2001MR]

You know I said the same thing about relatives from Greece. Do they not have sarcasm and the answer is because it's a different culture and speech pattern it's different and will take you a while to acclimate to it.

[@RachelleHinrichs]

This was delightful and touched every aspect of what I enjoy about your channel. Plus the camera work and editing were superb. I think one of the hardest thing about comedy/humor on both sides of the Atlantic is timing. You know just how long to wait before dropping your gaze, or looking askance to give us the visual as well as verbal comedy cues. Thank you for a fun video and I really enjoy your channel.

[@Drakijy]

Laurence, your American accent was VERY good.

[@VIRACYTV]

As an American citizen I catch every joke by your cadence, eye movements, that thing you do with your lips, and more. I may not get *every* reference, but I can tell when you’re delivering a setup and punchline!

[@jasonlindsay5031]

What on Earth are you doing with a Genus I Trivial Pursuit set? Those questions are nearly 40 years old by now!

[@DefeatTheCabal]

Dude, we need more of your American accent impressions - good stuff !

[@michaelg2529]

British comedy that punches you in the gut: The final few minutes of the last episode of "Blackadder Goes Forth" where the soldiers go over the top and the chaotic battle scene changes to the present and shows a tranquil field of poppies.

[@lisacusenza716]

Born in the 60s my siblings and I grew up with Benny Hill, Monty Python (We are the knights that say Ni!. Not the big comfy chair!) and one of my favorites, Red Dwarf. Lot of Benny Hill’s humor went over our heads.

[@tdata545]

As a fan of both and an American. I've notice British comedy is more self-deprecating, and one thing I run into conflict with even amongst my friends is, American's don't really like that. Sure online we're more exposing and deprecating, but in real life we're more reserved and shy about that stuff that it comes off as self-pitying and depressing. Like I have two friends who hate when things get negative and too "REAL". Where that's kind of British Comedy in a nutshell, languishing in the uncomfortable for cathartic effect. Like take IT Crowd vs Big Bang. IT Crowd doesn't try to GLORIFY Nerds but caricature it and take it to an absurdist final conclusion. WHERE BIG BANG tries to glorify it and make you okay with them and accepting, if that makes sense. There's a reflective nature in British Comedy, compared to the ESCAPIST nature of AMERICAN.

[@TheAntinowherelane]

This is interesting to me, because I've always lived in the US, but always appreciated British humor. People in the US sometimes have trouble telling when I'm joking... must be related lol

[@timothy4664]

British humor is amazing and clearly America loves it. PBS for the past 50 years proves that. Hell, I remember watching Are You Being Served with my grandmother and the cast showed up on our local channel in Boston. This was the 90s, more than 10 years after the show ended. The same with Keeping Up With Appearences, As Time Goes By .. and look, do we need to talk about Monty Python? Faulty Towers? I don't buy this video

[@cgamejewels]

A man of culture I see.

[@salyluz6535]

Why would you buy it when it’s free on KZbin?

[@sonorasgirl]

I watched Keeping Up Appearances with my mom growing up…cracked me up. That and Hitchikers

[@funnyusername8635]

Ah good old Farty Towels. God damn I loved that show.

[@Semiam1]

Having lived in England for several years I noticed that the English are comfortable when they have settled their opinion of you or your country. They cannot be convinced otherwise. Thanks for dispelling the myth.

[@MJEvermore853]

Sounds as though there are many thick-headed English. I notice this a lot on social media. I can’t help but laugh at their over-inflated sense of self-importance. 😅

[@jasparks4585]

Thanks!

[@dgoins6]

You didn't mention parody. I think some of the best US comedy is parody. Saturday Night Live or In Living Color come to mind. Parody is relative, topical, and hilarious if done properly.

[@rickpresley63]

Ohio is a bit less humorless than you may realize. Drew Carey, Martin Mull, and Soupy Sales all got their comedic start in Cleveland, Ohio. And who could forget WKRP in Cincinnati?

[@monkeytennis7477]

Love Soupy Sales! The puppets, the novelty songs, the pies-in-the-face! A cultural Icon!

[@Musicchick60]

“As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly!” 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@amherst88]

Probably any english-speaking population would acknowledge that Monty Python was/is an art form unto itself but the first few seasons of SNL were/are as well -- you're right, different but comparable on their own terms -- nice work as always ❤️

[@chitlitlah]

My history teacher in high school would show Monty Python and the Holy Grail to every class. I think if he'd been a math teacher, he still would've shown it. "She turned me into a newt!" [pause] "I got better..."

[@nco_gets_it]

true, but SNL has not been funny since the Landshark skits.

[@bltvd]

Both things are severely overrated and were ninety percent filler and ten percent funny!

[@joeybuttawipo1310]

"I live in Chicago, Just north of Illinois." That's as funny as the spam sketch in Monty Python.

[@alanlight7740]

... and it's also completely accurate.

[@dontown1531]

Canadian humor is different again. We used to have a TV show called 'Royal Canadian Air Farce'. Cheers from Vancouver.

[@daytonapeanut]

Yes, we do. I live in the Pacific Northwest. Sarcasm is our accent.

[@shaimoyed7858]

His consistent, nervous, gaze has got to be the most ideal and uncomfortable aspect of this video.

[@emilypresleysee]

Leslie Nielsen's Bad Golf Made Easier introduced me to sarcasm/satire. Still hilarious and only made now so by my learning to play golf when I got older and actually understanding the jokes. That's what was great about it though; one didn't need to play golf or understand the game for it to be funny or recognize the humor.

[@jemm113]

I had the absolute pleasure of seeing Cleese and Idle’s tour live in my hometown’s big theater. It was so damn funny and seeing them perform some forgotten Python sketches, as well as reminisce about their python days was something else and truly cemented themselves in my personal hall of great comedians. And then Fluffy performed here too and everyone in my family couldn’t help but burst into tears laughing. He knew our place well on the border and getting some truly local comedy from such a big star was something to behold!

[@terriehumphries6028]

I am an American that loves dry Humor. Both my Dad and husband were always very good at it and yes they are from America. I look forward to your videos and I end up watching it twice because I watch the Beasleys do reaction videos and you are one of their favorites. I love the Beasleys as well. You have a great one Laurence.

[@stefanf922]

I'm American, and I loved watching Monty Python, and the young ones, more so than most American shows.

[@amstrad00]

When I was growing up, around the time when my siblings an I were all in or near our teenage years we all communicated as a family almost purely via sarcasm. Even our parents were in on it.

[@southernwanderer7912]

I love the English dry humor but also the American slap-slick humor, especially anything before the 1990s..

[@FrankLeeMadeere]

I really wish we'd have more good panel shows in the US. I love a bunch of them: QI, Mock the Week, Would I Lie to You, and of course 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown

[@emily_gross1990]

Honestly, we Americans have a soft spot for 90s British comedy. Red Dwarf Keeping Up Appearances My Hero Mr. Bean And so much more. We have had and continue to have a lot of these shows on a network called PBS. 80s and 90s were the pinnacle of comedy in both countries. America had all the greats from SNL, John Candy, Rodney Dangerfield, the Belushi brothers, and many others.

[@Matatabi6]

As an American who grew up watching a ton of British tv and having very weird parents I have often found that when I make sarcastic remarks deadpan without an exaggerated tone change or something people would get offended or confused

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

People who get offended by that deserve it. But, you do have to give them a fighting chance by not doing so when they're tired.

[@Capt_OscarMike]

I will share a personal story or two concerning British Humour from the 80s for an American teenager at the time (me).... 1st) Was my FIRST introduction to explicit entertainment airing over one of our 4 channels...it was like a miracle...due to NO cable TV, there was basically No easy access to anything for us testosterone-ladened young men besides perhaps accidentally getting the neighbors Fredricks of Hollywood magazine or the Sears Christmas Catalog...However, during the summers, late at night long after my parents and siblings would fall asleep... I would stay up...I was driven to stay up...I couldn't sleep due to the anticipation of watching the exploits and eye-popping greatness of this British SHow...I was shocked this was allowed on TV there and more shocked it aired in my area...but I was thankful...I became addicted...I think it's responsible for my failing eyesight in later life too but that's not relevant here...if haven't figured it out...It was THE BENNY HILL SHOW... WHICH for teenage boys in the 80s WAS AS CLOSE TO PORN-HUB AS MY GENERATION COULD GET in America...In my area, it aired as the last program before the station ended broadcasting for the evening around 2am... 2nd) To KZbin Sensation and MR. LOST IN THE POND Comedic genius who STILL NERVOUSLY SIDE-EYES APPROACHING STRANGERS WHILE (WHILST) RECORDING YOUR VIDEOS...THANKS TO YOU BRITS THE FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC SITUATION OCCURRED TO ME..(by the way, my all caps or Caps Lock key has decided not to cooperate all of a sudden for some reason...piece of junk)...I apologize in advance... Now, where was I...Oh yes... my encounter with British Humour traumatized me... As a Young (literally youngest in my class by far) Sophomore in High School, I was shocked when a pretty, popular, varsity cheerleader, a Senior young lady (notice the comma between pretty and popular please) agreed to accompany me on a date...Being the YOUNGEST in my class- being 2 classes behind her--she being THE GIRL everyone wanted to date...for some reason she agreed to go out with me although I asked here more due to a bet never thinking she would agree...but she agreed with one condition...I couldn't tell anyone...I agreed and violated my pledge of secrecy as well but that's not the story... She would have to drive...However, after we met at a common location I drove from that point... I had acquired a fake idea that showed that I was 4 yrs older than I actually was...but it worked..or did with this sweet old, mostly blind 95yr old lady who owned a roadside country gas station...she gladly accepted my information as an official ID (if alive she would be a voting center manager today almost certainly). With my proven successful ability that my date had doubts about...but I had made many trips to the out-of-the-way isolated country store...Provided my illegal ID & purchased the finest cheap wine with screw-on CAP that I could afford for her and a six-pack of beer for me....I'll never forget the brands, BOONE'S FARM TICKLED PINK FOR HER AND PBR for myself...Anycase, being filled with surprises I informed her I wanted to expose her to culture, and English...she likely thought Shakespear or some theatrical presentation performing in our city....being in the "gifted" class I knew she would appreciate the gesture...Unbeknownst to her my confidence level was rising with each smile and compliment she was throwing my way ....as we arrived at our destination she had already drank 3/4th of the bottle...but seemed fine...before I could pull the parking brake up she leaned over & initiated a; lengthy, tongue-involved kiss that at my age was rare ...and this was from an older woman...at least 17-18yrs old...the kiss caught me off guard but I seemed to not screw that up as she was hesitant to stop...But I reminded her, that I wanted to share some culture with her that I was 99.9999% she had never been exposed to...She leaned back into her seat waiting for me to get out, walk around and open her door to help her out...(what Southern gentlemen do) ...The problem was, with such an impressive prelude to what I was confident would be an exciting and wildest dream kind of evening...I realized when I was exiting the driver's seat and walking towards her door that biology had taken over...at that age, a 15-16yr old young man has about 10,000x the amount of testosterone in his body as even a 25 yr old and certainly a 30+yr old...meaning, it did not take much to cause a "reaction" Anchorman style....if know what I mean...Although embarrassed I honestly was semi-curious about how she would react based on knowing when I opened the door and she began to exit the car it would be impossible not to notice what had occurred....before giving her a chance to comment I also blamed the protruding appendage on the pleats in the pants... noticing she grinned and made some comment that was not offensive at all I knew this was the beginning of something great...I asked her to close her eyes as I escorted her into the theatre...a theatrical stage did not await when we sat but a movie screen...she didn't know what movie I took her to... as in theatre light began to fade at the US release of perhaps the greatest film of all time... MONTY PYTHON; SEARCH FOR THE HOLY GRAIL the young lady leaned over once again before the movie started...apparently, the Tickled Pink had reached its maximum impact...she once again leaned over but this time she laid on me the most life-altering kiss any 15 yr old could ever imagine...and she didn't let up...this young lady did not have a bad reputation at all either...I obliged but did separate as the movie began..but was thinking WOW...she leaned over again but this time softly whispered for us to leave, to skip the movie and use that time and go somewhere to be alone...However, this was MONTY PYTHON...I learned at an early age Monty Python will immediately reduce blood alcohol levels to nearly zero in young ladies....the crash had begun...with each scene she squirmed...didn't touch me...didn't laugh...only to say loudly this was stupid..she didn't understand and wanted to leave...I pleaded with her to wait just a few moments longer ...then it happened...the infamous BLACK KNIGHT "IT'S JUST A BLOODY FLESH WOUND...COME BACK AT THE FIGHT" SCENE...That was also my demise....my date had lost all delusions caused by her rapid ingestion of the fine wine...felt offended I had in essence chosen MONTY PYTHON over being with her....and stated, "WE ARE LEAVING"...and didn't whisper it...I made a brief attempt to convince her otherwise...but she gave me an ultimatum that I better follow her out and be waiting for her when she exited the ladies' room...I thought to myself...well, there is 1/4 bottle left on ice...NO PBR had been opened yet and most importantly I HAD THE KEYS AND BY GOODNESS I WAS THE MAN....so I remained until the end of the movie...as I left the theater into the lobby expecting to see her upset in the passenger seat maybe even crying... that's not what I found...in fact...I didn't find anything...SHE HAD A SPARE SET OF KEYS AND LEFT ME THERE... THANKS, BRITS!!!! fOR A 15-16YR OLD YOUNG MAN THAT IS NOT TRAUMA THAT EASY TO OVERCOME...NOR WAS IT SO FUNNY TO ME ANYMORE... However, we did go out the following weekend and I made sure to avoid everything related to the UK...from music and even went so far to avoid European things as well including "FRENCH FRIES" ...and the date went much better...in fact...really well... Of course, she would date the Varsity QB and think they are still married today... I hope my personal story of tragedy at the hands of the BRITS is humourous to you Mr. Lost in the Pond because I still have nightmares decades later...Regardless, this is perhaps one of your best yet...GREAT JOB... PS...THE STORIES ABOVE ARE 100% TRUE AND I AM MARRIED TO A RUSSIAN

[@sdmdrums9275]

Dude wrote a whole book for 6 likes, rip

[@censusgary]

A difference I’ve noticed is that toilet humor, while it exists in America, is much more pervasive in Britain. Anything related to feces, urine, elimination, and the human digestive process is immensely funny to the Brits. Just showing a picture of a toilet seems to count as a joke. Another is that people getting angry and shouting, or going on long rants, is funnier to the British than to the Americans. People might shout in American comedies, but the shouting itself, the showing of anger, is not the main joke. Since humor has to do with transgressing norms in some way, both these differences would imply that British culture encourages people to be reserved, polite, and emotionally repressed- and anxious about excretion. These elements exist in American culture, but apparently to a lesser extent.

[@leod-sigefast]

Have you seen how many fart compilations are on KZbin....from Americans!! I think it is fully integrated into US humour too!

[@censusgary]

@@leod-sigefast Fart jokes are a bit different from toilet humor. But maybe Americans are anxious about farting- more so than, say, the Germans.

[@SmallSpoonBrigade]

Toilet humor definitely exists in the US, it's just mainly something that we're expected to grow out of as it's not seen as being particularly sophisticated. Poop and pee jokes are seen as being cheap jokes. But, there's a ton of shows that use those sorts of jokes, it's just not always that easy to get it past the censors.

[@theobuniel9643]

​@@SmallSpoonBrigade And also, toilet humor in the U.S. is seen as immature.

[@robertclive491]

Love how passive aggressive this clearly is.