How to Explain

[ABrit]

Hello

 

Am looking for a few suggestions.

 

You see despite the lack of a noticable accent I grew up to British humour - e.g. Monty Python - where dry wit/sarcasm comes into play. So I don't exactly find the typical sense of American humor/jokes funny or amusing.

 

But over the last little while I've been trying to figure out how to explain I don't laugh at others' (Americans') jokes simply because I don't 'get' the humor. As I said above I don't have a noticable accent; it's there in how I at least pronouce vowels differently (e.g. about) but the people who identify it/ask about this are the 'few and far betweens'.

 

Anyway I usually just grin or bite my tongue against a 'dry/sarcastic' response a Brit would 'get' (and respond with banter) but an American may take the wrong way (even finding it rude/offensive). I think for some Americans, however, they feel I am being rude for not laughing (as others do) or I don't laugh because I find their jokes stupid, etc. rather than funny.

[GorillaTheater]

As I said above I don't have a noticable accent; it's there in how I at least pronouce vowels differently (e.g. about) but the people who identify it/ask about this are the 'few and far betweens'.

 

Eastern Canadian.

 

I wouldn't worry about it. If nothing else, they're unlikely to hit you with a joke more than once or twice. Maybe try a smile and shake your head.

[preraph]

By the way, I'm from the U.S. and we also grew up with Monty Python, so that's not really an excuse.

 

If you think someone is trying to be entertaining and you're right there in front of them, of course, a polite smile shouldn't be too much of a sacrifice, rather than acting like a dead parrot. You needn't encourage them more than that.

[GorillaTheater]

By the way, I'm from the U.S. and we also grew up with Monty Python

 

Is there anything funnier than the Lumberjack song? No, no there isn't.

 

[Timshel]

Apparently, Meghan Markle took a private jet to Ibiza and let Harry and baby Archie ride the wing...

[ABrit]

Thanks but I'm actually British. The weak accent comes from having grown up in a podunk "backwater" little American town where I was harassed as a child for the way I spoke. When I am not consciously subduing my accent I sound as I am, an Ulster Scot.

 

And though Americans saw Monty Python your sense of humour vs. actual British is like comparing an apple to an orange, no offense.

 

As said I do acknowledge jokes by grinning, however I am getting to know people whose go to is joking as a means of 'breaking the ice' & where the typical response is 'guffawing' laughter. And grinning may not 'cut it' anymore.

[Watercolors]

 

how to explain I don't laugh at others' (Americans') jokes simply because I don't 'get' the humor.

 

I hope Black Adder can help me explain how you should communicate to Americans that you think we're all morons who aren't funny. We're not all idiots. We don't all eat hot pockets, drive a pick-up and live in a trailer.

 

 

 

 

Otherwise, I'd say old chap, you should find yourself a new group of mates who aren't muppets, whose company doesn't cause you to have lost the plot every time you hang out with them.

 

Don't mind my post. It was a load of tosh.

[ABrit]

I hope Black Adder can help me explain how you should communicate to Americans that you think we're all morons who aren't funny. We're not all idiots. We don't all eat hot pockets, drive a pick-up and live in a trailer.

 

 

 

 

Otherwise, I'd say old chap, you should find yourself a new group of mates who aren't muppets, whose company doesn't cause you to have lost the plot every time you hang out with them.

 

Don't mind my post. It was a load of tosh.

 

Actually as Blackadder is British of British mindset, written by actual British, played by an almost all British crew I do think dearie you'd be the one who's lost the plot.

 

When you can go about responding without getting your knickers in a wad, offended about nothing, I'd be interested if you can name an actual all American show that's funny.

 

 

Btw when a real Brit says tosh it isn't after a boring tirade.

[GorillaTheater]

Now you just sound like some kind of snob. An effete snob, just to emphasize the Britishness of it all.

[mark clemson]

...a polite smile shouldn't be too much of a sacrifice, rather than acting like a dead parrot.

 

 

He's not dead, he's just resting!

 

[gaius]

How do you not understand American humor if you actually grew up in America? Did you just read books on how to be a proper Brit when you were a kid instead of talking and interacting with people?

 

I would just explain it by saying I'm really kind of American but I'm so deeply ashamed of it that I'll only accept human interaction on a European level. Kind of like how Daniel Day Lewis will only respond to his characters name when he's filming a movie.

[spiderowl]

Are you in the US now or something? Why would it matter if Americans might be offended if you did not laugh?

 

There are all sorts of comedians on TV these days. I watch some and cannot see for the life of me why people find them funny. I watch others and really enjoy their humour. I think humour is very individual as well as cultural.

 

I don't think British humour is particularly sarcastic. Maybe that is your sense of humour? Again, that is not a type of humour I enjoy, but each to his own.

 

I don't think you need to worry about this at all. Why can't you be yourself? You should not have to pretend for others.

[vla1120]

Hello

 

Am looking for a few suggestions.

 

You see despite the lack of a noticable accent I grew up to British humour - e.g. Monty Python - where dry wit/sarcasm comes into play. So I don't exactly find the typical sense of American humor/jokes funny or amusing.

 

I'd love an example of "typical American humor." Ironically, I'm American, grew up in a little backwoods town, and I have a very dry, sarcastic sense of humor. Maybe your problem is that you really don't have a sense of humor?