Question

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

Answer 1

I think Harriet has a point...British humour is perhaps kind of acquired taste, but I think it is enjoyed by lots of people outside Britain, especially here in Canada. I suppose it helps when one has been brought up in UK like I was, the dialect and the references need to be understood. I wonder if the "Carry on" series of films would be regarded as funny by Americans?

Answer 2

And you didn't spell humor correctly.(I'm a Kansas girl living in California so many of my friends talk a bit different) Did I use correct grammar?

Answer 3

I don't why that is, although my husband is Italian and he laughs his head off at all British humour especially Glaswegian humour.

Answer 4

so tell me this then why does the english not get the irish humor there much funnier than the english i think and a lot nicer. not that all english are bad though

Answer 5

Americans need short, quick jabs of humor that are accomanied by studio-audience laughter to find things funny. Otherwise they just zone off and complain.. Plus, I think they're too busy being puzzled as to why "humour" is spelled correctly to actually listen to anything being said.

Answer 6

From personal experience of Americans, they do not understand the subtle yet hilarious comedy that is irony. If it isn't a custard pie or somebody falling on their arse, it's wasted on the majority of them.

Answer 7

I love British humor! Especially Monty Python. And Whose Line is it Anyway. (The ones with Clive Anderson! He's 10 times better than Drew Cary!)