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British humour is a somewhat general term applied to certain comedic Motif s that are often prevalent in comedic acts originating in Great Britain and its current or former colonies. Comedy acts and television programs typical of British humour include Monty Python , Benny Hill , and Keeping Up Appearances to name a few that have become quite popular outside of the British Isles . At times, however, such humour can seem puzzling to non-British speakers of English (references to English slang terms or people, who are unknown internationally for example) while certain Commonwealth Nations (such as Australia , Canada and South Africa ) tend to find it more familiar. Many UK Comedy TV Shows typical of British humour have been internationally popular, and have been a strong avenue for the export and representation of British Culture to an international audience. HISTORICAL ROOTS Some deep roots for British humour are:
The changes in British culture are naturally mirrored by changes in humour. GENERAL FEATURES Some general features characteristic of British humour are:
What stands out from this list is the importance of Verbal humour as a key element. This is not to say that British humour has no place for visuals; but to take a classic example, Benny Hill , whose work was quite visual indeed, was extremely popular in his day, but has long since failed to arouse much interest with British audiences. In the U.S. and France , however, he is still widely regarded as a comic genius. Compare this with typical "classics" of UK humour, such as the " Parrot Sketch " from Monty Python , which are usually notable for the fact that fans can repeat them ''verbatim''. THEMES 1954]] Some themes (with examples) that underpinned late twentieth-century British Humour were: Smut and innuendo Smut and Innuendo with sexual and scatological themes, typified by:
Disrespect to members of the establishment Disrespect to members of the establishment and authority, typified by:
The absurd '' ( 2004 - 2007 ), a Sitcom set in a Hospital , but featuring nothing medical. Used experimental filming, surreal jokes and strong female leads.]] The absurd and the surreal, typified by:
The manic
The humour inherent in everyday life '' ( 2001 - 2003 ) is mainly based on mundane office life. This is one of the most successful British comedies, being exported to several countries.]] The humour, not necessarily apparent to the participants, inherent in everyday life (ish), as seen in:
The 'war' between parents/teachers and children The 'war' between parents/teachers and their children, typified by:
'' The British class system 1968 to 1977]] The British class system, especially pompous or dim-witted members of the upper/middle classes or embarrassingly blatant social climbers, typified by:
The lovable rogue '' ( 1983 - 1989 ), a sitcom set in several periods of British history. The title character is an Antihero , being rude and mean to almost everyone, particularly his servant Baldrick .]] The lovable rogue, often from the impoverished working class, trying to 'beat the system' and better himself, typified by:
The embarrassment of social ineptitude The embarrassment of social ineptitude, typified by:
Making fun of foreigners ( 2006 ), a film featuring a fictional news report from Kazakhstan , played by a British comedian, making fun of prejudiced Americans .]] Making fun of foreigners, sometimes bordering on racism and especially common in television sitcoms and films of the 1970s , typified by:
Bullying and harsh sarcasm Harsh sarcasm and bullying, though with the bully usually coming off worse than the victim - typified by:
Parodies of stereotypes , regarded as seminal to the rise of satire in 1960s]] Making fun of British Stereotype s, typified by:
Tolerance of, and affection for, the eccentric Tolerance of, and affection for, the eccentric, especially when allied to inventiveness
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