British Humour

Universal Humour

The English, like all cultures, have a universal sense of humour that transcends cultural boundaries. This type of humour often relies on physical comedy, slapstick, and visual gags, and it does not require a deep understanding of language or cultural nuances to be appreciated.

An example of universal humour in English culture is the comedy of Mr. Bean. Mr. Bean, created and portrayed by Rowan Atkinson, is a character known for his bumbling antics, physical mishaps, and often childlike behavior. His comedy is largely visual and relies on universal themes of clumsiness and misunderstanding, making it accessible and enjoyable to audiences worldwide.

Everyday Humour

Everyday humour is the kind of humour used by ordinary people in their daily interactions at work, school, or social gatherings. It often involves banter, teasing, lighthearted mockery, and self-deprecating remarks. This type of humour serves as a social lubricant, easing interactions and fostering a sense of camaraderie. It can also be used to navigate social hierarchies and class distinctions, as people use humour to deflect praise, avoid appearing boastful, or gently mock social conventions.

An example of everyday humour in English literature can be found in the works of P.G. Wodehouse, particularly in the Jeeves and Wooster stories. These stories are filled with witty banter, playful insults, and humourous misunderstandings between the characters. For instance, Bertie Wooster often describes himself in self-deprecating terms, highlighting his perceived lack of intelligence, while Jeeves, his valet, subtly mocks Bertie's social awkwardness and romantic mishaps.

Sophisticated Humour

Sophisticated humour is characterised by its reliance on language, cultural knowledge, and intellectual wit. It often involves irony, wordplay, puns, and satire. This type of humour requires a deeper understanding of language and cultural context to be fully appreciated. It can be used to critique social norms, political figures, or even the very nature of Englishness itself.

An example of sophisticated humour in English literature can be found in the works of Oscar Wilde, such as The Importance of Being Earnest. Wilde's plays are filled with witty repartee, clever wordplay, and satirical commentary on Victorian society. For instance, the play's title itself is a pun, playing on the double meaning of the word "earnest" as both a name and a quality of sincerity. The characters engage in witty exchanges that often reveal the absurdity of social conventions and the hypocrisy of the upper class.

My prank...gone wrong

At the University of London there lived two groups of students. On one side of a quaint street lived four male students. Opposite them resided four female students.

The male students wished to hold an unforgettable party. They made an ambitious plan. Their idea? To "borrow" a goat from the British countryside, to be the guest of honour at their party. However, lacking a car, they turned to their neighbours across the street.

One of the female students, known for her adventurous spirit, agreed to be their driver. As night covered the city, Lyle and his friends embarked on their journey, laughter and excitement echoing in the car. However, when Lyle and his friends stepped out to a supermarket to purchase carrots – a snack for their goat – the adventure took a twist. The female student drove quickly away, leaving the boys stuck in the middle of nowhere late at night.

To get revenge, the male students made a mischievous plan. They placed an advertisement in a newspaper, listing various items from the girls' house for sale at ludicrously low prices. For example, a television for just three British pounds (about 500 yen)! Their plan worked perfectly, the phone in the girls' house was ringing all day for a whole week! Yet, amidst the laughter and the pranks, a little regret lingered with the boys; because they never did get their goat for the party.

Questions

Where did the male and female students live?
1. In different cities
2. On the same street
3. In the same house
4. In different countries
What did the male students want to borrow for their party?
1. A cat
2. A dog
3. A goat
4. A television
Why did the female student drive away from the supermarket?
1. She needed to buy more snacks
2. She was playing a prank on the boys
3. She forgot something important
4. She saw a friend
What did the male students do for revenge?
1. They threw a party without the girls
2. They borrowed the girls' car
3. They advertised the girls' belongings for sale
4. They bought a new television

Shakespearean insults

シェイクスピアの侮辱

1. I am sick when I do look on thee: This means seeing you makes me feel sick. It's a strong way of saying I really don't like you.

2.Away, you three-inch fool!: This suggests someone is foolish and insignificant, with "three-inch" possibly referring to the size of their brain or their stature, implying that they are small in wisdom or importance.

3.What, you egg?: This is a silly way to call someone a coward or say they're not brave.

4.Thou art a very ragged wart: This means you're as unpleasant to look at as a wart; it's not nice to be around you.

Slides for website.pptx