• Question: Why do we find jokes funny- and what makes a funny joke?

    Asked by minglessis to Damien, Rachael, Simon, Suzi, Tim on 21 Jun 2011.
    • Photo: Tim Fosker

      Tim Fosker answered on 21 Jun 2011:

      Hi @minglessis

      I find some jokes very funny, but I’m not sure I know the recipe for a funny joke – although it would be an excellent thing to know. Different people seem to find different things funny. There always seems to be an element of surprise in a joke.

      I know that Richard Wiseman at the University of Hertfordshire has been looking at this. There is more information about this on his laughlab website

      http://www.laughlab.co.uk/

    • Photo: Suzi Gage

      Suzi Gage answered on 21 Jun 2011:

      Hi @minglessis
      Good question!
      I don’t know the answer – but as Tim says, have a look at Richard Wiseman’s website. He’s really interesting, I’ve heard him speak a few times, and he’s very funny too!

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