Question

What are some reasons why many Americans might struggle to understand British humor?

Answer 1

probably because we find it to be a much dryer form of humor. That and comedy often stems from traditions and culture so since you are different we probably dont get it for that reason.

Answer 2

Maybe its because they ones that don't, can't actually understand what we are saying. Scottish people tend to talk quite fast and our sometimes thick accent and colloquialisms would go over the head of most, including the English. Here's a belter fur ye.....only in Scotland!. . U2 were playing a gig in Glasgow when in between a set, Bono started clapping his hands every 3 seconds. After doing this maybe 10 or 12 times he eventually addressed the crowd and said..........."Every time I clap my hands, a child in Africa dies....." A solitary voice in the crowd piped up... "Well f*ckin stoap it then!"

Answer 3

Humour is produced from the cultural landscape.

Answer 4

British humour is said to be very ... British. Well, I don't really know about Americans but in France, some people love British humour and some hate it. Personally, I get used to it and I begin enjoying it a lot. It's often a bit absurd, that's why some people have difficulties to understand it

Answer 5

What are you talking about? I'm American and I LOVE Mr. Bean (British Comedy). I also like Keeping Up Appearances (another British Comedy). But Mr. Bean has made me laugh more than any show I've ever seen, even more than Sponge Bob Square Pants.

Answer 6

The problem with British humor is you have to pay attention and, occasionally, think. This is hard work...hell, we just want to laugh...that's all. If you don't perform slapstick or use filthy words then we Americans (most of us) will quickly fall asleep...

Answer 7

I like all forms of humour. As long as I understand the language, I like humour.

Answer 8

Why do some people judge what the majority of people do or don't understand, when we're discussing a nation of three hundred million people? You are judging based on your personal experience, which is hardly a fair measure when discussing 300 million people.

Answer 9

Humour is actually spelled humour in English (rather than Humor as some body else said). I know so many fantasically intelligent and witty Americans..it's just that there are soooo many more Americans who don't appreciate things like irony and satire. This is nothing against America as a nation because there are simply that many more of them. As a percentage I'm sure it's the same, but compared to the actual head-count, huge difference.

Answer 10

Because generally we really only like fart and poop jokes.. Ha-ha. Also, generally I think we're really quite dumb.