How to Be Funny
Posted: Wednesday, August 24, 2011
by Ingrid Weir
http://www.facebook.com/ingritaweir
Now, I am no authority on being funny, myself. However, I am very good at pinpointing that which is and is not funny. In an attempt to learn to be funny, myself, I Googled, “How to be funny.” This was an exercise in futility.
Not Funny
The first thing I read was talking about Tom and Jerry. Tom and Jerry are not funny. Period. So, we'll move on from there...
What is Funny
That’s enough about what isn’t funny… what is funny? Well, for me, pointing out the obvious is always hilarious if you use really big words and perhaps graphics or gestures. For examples, check out “The Daily Show” for instance.
Sarcasm
Now, of course, making fun of people with sarcasm is fantastic IMHO. I understand that people say that sarcasm is the lowest form of humor. I strongly disagree. People, who think that are too stupid to understand… once again, IMHO. If you don’t believe me, take a look at “The Colbert Report” sometime. Did you know that there are actually right-wingers, who really think he is on their side because he said ridiculous things with which they agree? Now, that right there is hi-larious!
Pain and Laughter
My mother is one, who enjoys seeing or hearing about someone hurting him or herself. Personally, I rarely find it hilarious if someone is seriously injured. However, I cannot sit through a “Three Stooges” or “Laurel and Hardy” marathon without laughing every time I see them bash each other in the heads with two-by-fours. For me, talking about junk punching is hilarious, but actually seeing it isn’t that funny. However, listening to either my mother or father laugh is absolutely sidesplitting!
Stupidly Making Fun of Stupid People is Brilliant
Let’s go to a movie that I absolutely love. This movie has mixed impressions in people. The movie is, “Idiocracy.” Now, a friend of mine said, the other day, that it was, “the DUMBEST” movie she has ever seen. I agree and disagree. It is funny because it points out the idiocy of the world around us by showing where we are headed in 500 years if something doesn’t change. The lines in the movie, itself, are hilarious to me because I see it happening around me everywhere. I still have a hard time when I go to the doctor to not say, “Well, you see, doc, my sh*t’s all f*ed up and retarded, and I talk like a f*g.”
Of course, this isn’t a phrase that I would normally say, and at least two of those words offend me at my core. However, because of this movie, I feel the need to say them. The movie is filled with ridiculous quotes that create a bond between the lovers of the movie… and a divide between the haters or those, who have not seen it. Any movie that can do that is hysterical in my book.
Confusing the Audience
Moving along, I, personally, came from a family of amateur comics. This made me have to learn at an early age, how to keep a straight face when telling a joke. This results in confusion for the audience. If you can speak in the exact same tone about the most tragic moments in your life – and then, make some sort of joke about them at the end, it leaves them confused.
Confusion about how to feel is important, I think. When someone is thinking, “Man, that’s really tragic… but she made a joke about it, so I don’t know if it’s true, or maybe the whole thing was a joke. She’s laughing, and so is everyone else. Maybe I should, too?” Personally, I would consider that a win.
Trying to be Funny
What isn’t funny, though, is trying to be funny. For instance, Robin Williams… unless he truly has some sort of disorder that makes him act like that, he isn’t funny to me. Now, keep in mind that I have laughed at him on occasion. His comedy shows are entertaining, as well. However, when I have seen him on interviews, and he is trying to be funny, he is sadly not.
Funny People
Who is funny? Ron White, Christopher Titus, Chelcie Rice, Bo Presarno, Landry, Jim Gaffigan, Rachel Bradley, Dov Davidoff, and Tammy Pescatelli are IMHO, to name a few. Please note that this list isn’t even close to all-inclusive, but they are some of my faves, so I’m giving them a shout-out to tell them to keep up the good work.
The Point?
What is the point in this article? Yeah, I really don’t know either, but I felt the need to share. You read this far down, so there’s something.
Feel free to add to the list of what is funny and what is not. I would like some pointers. My hope is to one day, become hilarious… also, to have groundhogs live in my guestroom. Let’s see which one happens first.
Thanks and
’s!
This Article has been viewed 634 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (10 total)I agree. Chelcie Rice is mad awesome and one of the funniest comedians I've ever seen!! (this isn't going to show my name on the post is it?)LOL - no, Chelcie, no one will have any idea it is you!
I can't believe you like money too. We should hang out.I could really go for a Starbucks right now.
Hi Ingrid.
I don't find slap stick at all funny. My dad loved the Three Stooges and The Roadrunner and Wiley Coyote and Tom and Jerry. I never got it. Actually, I don't think you and I are on the same page at all about what is funny, so I'll be no help to you. I find a clever turn of phrase amusing. I like thoughtful humor. Although, pointing out truths that are absurd as George Carlin did was funny to me. Goodness, I sound totally humorless don't I? That's not really the case ... at least from my point of view.
Anyway, I did find your article to be interesting.
Hugs,
DianneThank you Dianne.
I, too, find a clever turn of phrase and thoughtful humor amusing... I suppose it is part of why I'm a fan of Stewart and Colbert. If you haven't checked them out, I think you would really enjoy them!
Also, as James pointed out below, Greg Geraldo was also brilliant - as is Christopher Titus. Titus actually called me out in one of his shows because while I was laughing and clapping along with everyone else, I found myself nodding in agreement most of the time.
Hugs back,
Ingrid
Greg Geraldo. Harvard lawyer turned comedian. If you are not familiar with his work, definitely check him out.I was actually fortunate to have met him before his unfortunate passing. He was absolutely brilliant, and I was heartbroken with the rest of his fans when he passed away. Thank you for pointing him out to those, whom are unfamiliar with his work.
You are right about the straight face. The only time I can keep a straight face is when I am absolutely determined to. It's a real challenge, but your point is correct.
About Robin Williams. In the early 80's he got to do whatever he wanted on Mork and Mindy, then he made tons of appearances on talk shows, keeping the laughter going. It's like he made an investment in the "you're supposed to laugh at me whenever I do something" company. Johnny Carson and Jay Leno invested in it, and so there is a national RW is funny consciousness. He actually is funny sometimes, but you have to drudge through the rest of it, to wait for those few moments. Great article.I think more than anything else, I appreciate Robin Williams' intelligence. I don't often laugh at him, but I am amazed at how quick he is and how facile. Mostly I find myself shaking my head in wonder after one of his performances. I'd love to know what he is like when he is not "on."I just hope there are times when he isn't "on". To me, when he is, he seems like that friend in college, who you constantly watched to see if you needed to take him to the hospital b/c he overdosed on amphetamines. LOL
...but like I said to Christofer, I did appreciate his show in DC, so maybe his standup is better than his "funny" movies and interviews.I agree with you there, Christofer... he is funny sometimes, but when he is, "on", I don't think he is funny. I saw his standup show in DC, and that was actually the first time I think I ever thought he was funny.
"...For me, talking about junk punching is hilarious..."
*** What is Junk punching Ingrid? I don't think I've ever heard of it.
*** Rather than say who's funny or not I'm just glad we have people who can capture us with their wit and humor.You make good points, Kenny...
This was written more tongue-in-cheek than an actual commentary... but junk punching... well, you know your junk? It's when someone punches it. :-)
See "What Happens in Vegas" and watch into the credits for further elaboration. :-D
What you've discovered Ingrid is that humour is subjective and no one (not even you I'm afraid) can define or dictate what 'is' funny. I myself have a fairly warped sense of humour and don't find some things a majority may find funny...funny and vice versa.
I have also found in my search for 'funny people' on the Internet that the best place for a good laugh was a science forum. For me there is nothing that beats clever intelligent humour.I found a lot less humour on a comedy forum, funnily enough. I think comedians try too hard and we try too hard on their behalf to find the wit.The article was written in a tongue-in-cheek manner to point out just that - that humor is subjective. I thought that I was fairly clear in that - using examples of what others found to be funny - and what I, myself, found to be funny...
Some people find me funny. Others do not. As my sister said, "If they don't laugh, they're stupid." ;-P
Like you and I both said (twice, I think, I did - but using different words), humor is in the eye of the beholder. Personally, I enjoy comedians. I used to live around the corner from a comedy club and attended frequently. One thing I did find was that oftentimes, the most humor was found in the non-headliners. I appreciate the raw, lesser-known comics more often than the headliners...
But like you said, humor is subjective, and people, who observe different things in the world or make jokes out of their pain or other life experiences... I appreciate their art. There have been several occasions, in fact, where I couldn't pull out of a depression stage until I went to a comedy club. You might check out some of the comics' routines that I posted. I would be interested in finding out whether you find them to be unfunny or not and why. I would also like to know examples of which comedians you found to have tried too hard, and we all tried too hard on their behalf to find wit. It's a pretty broad statement, and with the thousands of comics out there, I find it difficult to believe that ALL comics aren't good at their jobs.
I also find watching Fox News to be funny - until I realize people take them seriously... and then, it's just sad.
Note:
funny/'f?ne/
Adjective: Causing laughter or amusement; humorous.
I didn't have to define it. Someone beat me to it. ;-)
I find some comedians funny, none that I can name though. My cousin is a comedian in new York, she does quite well, had her own tv show and what not. I don't find her funny though! :) Never mind eh! Each to their own.LOL - there are quite a few that I do not find to be funny either... in fact, I find almost anything mainstream to be horribly unfunny... hence the Robin Williams reference...
However, much like you, I prefer some thought in my comedy - even if it isn't obviously intellectual.
Right now, though, nothing is funny b/c I have insomnia, and I have to be up in an hour and 18 minutes.
TTFN :-)
This is a great read. "Funny" often differs in people. For instance, British humor. There was Benny Hill - Occasionally he'd have a funny skit. Overall, I'd pass. But then there was Are You Being Served. I loved it. Belly rolling laughter - nope but just humorous in its stupidity. Same thing with Hyacinth. I absolutely loved the Nutty Professor - Only Part I though. The second one just didn't cut it anymore. As for Robin Williams, I've never been a fan. He's quick witted but I am not his fan. I love the Golden Girls, All In The Family, Mama's Family - and I liked some of Carol Burnett's show. Now that I've let this all "hang out," I have to say that I mostly don't watch comedies. I prefer suspense or mysteries. Oh yes, I liked the movie "My Cousin Vinny."Thank you!
I actually agree with you on all counts! I actually preferred the original Nutty Professor - that was originally in black & white, I think?
My Cousin Vinny - I do not think there has been a time that it was on television that I didn't stop and watch it. I've probably seen it hundreds of times, and I just cannot get enough!
Personally, I love live comedy above and beyond all else... and since I actually tried doing it myself this past Sunday, I have an INSANE amount of respect for comics now! There is an art to comedy that I do not think most people realize. It's definitely not easy!
GG's & Mama's Family are two of my all-time faves, too!
I think I forgot to mention him, but Demetri Martin is amazing in my book, too.
Thanks again for reading! :-)
It is entirely my pleasure. I like your style!
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