Graham Thirkill Loc: Idylic North Yorkshire, England UK.

“A bit of advice: never read a pop-up book about giraffes.”

“A cement mixer has ­collided with a prison van. Motorists are asked to look out for 16 hardened criminals."

“I needed a password eight characters long so I picked Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.”

“I bought my mum a Kindle because she likes reading so much. She still licks her fingers when she changes the page.”

“My mum's so pessimistic that if there was an Olympics for pessimism… she wouldn't fancy her chances."

Britain’s reputation as a rather serious place, humour really is the nation’s default setting – we are always looking to spice up our day with a sprinkle of laughter.

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Brits find humour in almost everything

Brits use humour to lighten even the most unfortunate, miserable moments. There are few subjects we don’t joke about. It’s not used to shock and offend but rather because Brits turn to laughter as a form of medicine when life knocks them and those around them down. Misfortune and failure are commonplace in British comedy – provided the jokes are in good taste (although ‘gallows humor’ is not uncommon). In most cultures, there is a time and place for humour. In Britain, this is not the case.

Example: “I tripped and fell over in front of everyone but at least I didn’t embarrass myself!”

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Don’t take what we say seriously

Brits are famous for being very, very polite, but a surefire sign that a Brit likes you is if they happily ‘offend’ you with the occasional witty, tongue-in-cheek comment. These are not mean-spirited statements, but rather a playful exchange of verbal sparring delivered with a smiling face and no apology. It can be used to make light of differences with new friends in an attempt to spark conversation.

A vital aspect of mastering British humour is judging what the people you are with find funny. A tongue-in-cheek comment is not always appropriate. It’s all about honing your humour to suit the occasion and place.

Examples: “How have you never seen Frozen?! What’s wrong with you?!” “I can’t be friends with someone who doesn’t drink tea!” “I can’t be seen in public with a Manchester United supporter!”


Cheers and Beers Graham
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PRC-NH Loc: New Hampshire

Love your posts, Graham. Greetings from the colonies. Is it true you don’t have English Muffins over there? Mores the pity.

Burtzy Loc: Bronx N.Y. & Simi Valley, CA

They have them. They just call them muffins.

tshift Loc: Overland Park, KS.

Good stuff as always. Thanks Graham.

Tom

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

Good ones, Graham.

Lens Cap Loc: The Cold North Coast

Keep em' coming

scatman Loc: Waterbury, CT

Graham, when you post 'em, I read 'em. Thanks.

architect Loc: Chattanooga

My English wife's favorite: "Cheer up, you'll soon be dead!"

treadwl Loc: South Florida

Thanks for my morning pick me up.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Graham, I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated your post. Right up to the comment about Manchester United.
Cheers and beers,
Bob

Senior Photog

Graham,

I LOVE English humor. So did my late father-in-law. While on a cruise to Bermuda, we found a local hotel in Hamilton that was doing an English play.
With a small cast, they had us roaring.
Looking forward to everything you post in 2019!
...Joe in NJ

ab7rn Loc: Portland, Oregon

One morning as I woke up I yawn with my eyes shut. My blue heeler Victoria saw her chance. Until you have french kissed by a dog, you can't imagine it!
Bill

GeneV Loc: Lampasas, Texas

Graham, I really enjoyed your post about English humor. I particularly like your "self-portrait.

GeneV