Besides the spelling of the word, there are, clearly, many differences between American and British humor.
There is a common belief in the U.K. that Americans don't understand irony (讽刺). This is of course not true. Irony may show up in American comedies(喜剧), but people there don't use it as much as the British do in daily life.
It actually runs in the blood of the British people. They use it as much as prepositions(介词) in everyday conversations, as a way of playing with their friends and laughing at their enemies, as well as themselves. This may sometimes make people unhappy if the listeners are not used to it.
After Americans use irony, they will clearly say that they are "only kidding". They feel the need to make a joke clearer so that it will not make other people uncomfortable.
Humor is tied so much to culture. American jokes are more clear and forward, a bit like Americans themselves. This may result from the fact that British culture is more reserved(矜持的) than American culture.
However, we still find that certain American comedies have made huge success in Britain and vice versa(反之亦然).
A. Things are quite different in America. B. Therefore, although there are differences between both comic styles, there is still an appreciation(欣赏) and understanding of the other's sense of humor. C. But what is true is that Americans don't use it all the time. D. However, irony is common in British culture. E. British jokes, on the other hand, are more subtle and usually with a hidden meaning. |
