October 4, 2002 at 9 AM
The Funniest Joke in the World
In a year long study (and an unconscious nod to Monty Python’s Flying Circus), British psychology professor Dr. Richard Wiseman sought to determine “the world’s funniest joke.”
The winner:
A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn’t seem to be breathing; his eyes are rolled back in his head.
The other guy whips out his cellphone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: “My friend is dead! What can I do?”
The operator, in a calm, soothing voice, says: “Just take it easy. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.”
There is a silence; then a shot is heard. The guy’s voice comes back on the line. He says: “Okay, now what?”
Alright, it’s a decent joke, but really, finding humour with worldwide appeal must be a thankless task. Can you picture a United Nations Commission on Laughter? Doesn’t that get the funny bone tingling?
More interesting perhaps are the top jokes in particular countries. I think Britain takes top honours here:
A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: “That’s the ugliest baby that I’ve ever seen. Ugh!” The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: “The driver just insulted me!” The man says: “You go right up there and tell him off — go ahead, I’ll hold your monkey for you.”
But the real headscratcher is Germany. Go ahead; try and laugh.
Previously: Rocket Robin Hood
Subsequently: There’s This Crazy Thing. It’s Called Radio.
Comments
That is the stupidest thing i have ever heard in my whole life…. It was absolutley not funny at all…
— Rachael | Jan. 30, 2003 — 4 PM
They were funny!! Rachel is just jeolous becasue she cant come up with somrthin like that!!lol
— Brittany | Feb. 27, 2003 — 10 PM
this sucks i have never heard such a dumb joke
— john | Dec. 14, 2003 — 12 AM