Oui! Si! Da! It’s the “Funniest Joke in
the World!” And we’re not kidding—this is based on serious
research.
Psychologist Dr. Richard Wiseman of the University of
Hertfordshire, England, has just released the findings of his extensive
research into the funniest joke in the world. (It was a tough job, but
somebody had to do it). After considering more than 40,000 jokes and nearly
two million responses, here is the momentous result:
“Two hunters are out in the woods when one of
them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are
glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services.
He gasps: ‘My friend is dead! What can I do?’ The operator
says: ‘Calm down, I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s
dead.’ There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Back on the phone,
the guy says, ‘OK, now what?’”
Did you laugh? According to Dr. Wiseman, the joke tickles
the funny bones of men and women, old and young, across cultural lines.
What kind of jokes specifically appeal to Americans? Those with a clear
sense of superiority, i.e.:
Texan: “Where are you from?”
Harvard Graduate: “I come from a place where we do not end
our sentences with prepositions.”
Texan: “OK, where are you from, jackass?”
Additional info you can’t live without:
- Computer analysis of the data showed that jokes containing 103 words
were thought to be especially funny.
- Jokes mentioning ducks were seen as funnier than other jokes.
- People found the jokes funniest at 6:03 p.m. on October 7.
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