Last night I read a list of 100 jokes by 100 comedians.  I got to number 20 before I laughed at one.  I don’t remember what that one was.  Of the whole 100, I laughed at maybe 6 jokes.  In this list were some jokes that were 50 years old.  Maybe they were funny then, but not now?  What makes something funny?  Are jokes culture bound?  Is there any humor that is universal?

I think that humor requires the highest level of language learning.  You have to understand the various meanings of the words to know why this particular play of words is funny.  But, you also have to be aware of current events and social norms to “get” the joke.  Then, whether you think the joke is funny or not depends on your own moral standards, which are somewhat dependent on your own culture.

Here is the best joke from that whole list, and I don’t remember the comedian who told it.

“In past decades, we had Johnny Cash, Bob Hope, and Steve Jobs.  Now we have no cash, no hope, and no jobs.  Please don’t let Kevin Bacon die.”

Funny to you, or not?  What are your thoughts?