New research into British humour

Academics have discovered that such a ‘negative’ sense of humour is linked to genes found in Britons, but not Americans. However a love of more cheerful, ‘positive’ comedy is found on both sides of the Atlantic.

Scientists have admitted that they are baffled about why the results – compiled from a survey of 5,000 twins - should point to a genetic difference in national senses of humour.

‘It is possible that differences exist between these nations in their sense of humour and that these may be the result of different genetic and environmental influences,’ said psychology professor Rod Martin, who conducted the research.

He told The Independent on Sunday: ‘The British may have a greater tolerance for a wide range of expressions of humour, including what many Americans might consider aggressively sarcastic or denigrating: like Fawlty Towers and Blackadder. In the North American version of The Office the lead character is much less insensitive and intolerant than in the original UK version.’

Britain’s love of ’negative’ comedy also extended to more offensive, racist or sexist gags, as well as self-deprecating humour, the research from the University of Western Ontario found

‘One theory is that these styles of humour are associated with other personality traits that probably have a genetic basis,’ Dr Martin added. ‘Self-defeating humour tends to be highly correlated with neuroticism. People who tend to be more negative, depressed and anxious tend to use that kind of humour.’

Biting sarcasm and cruel put-downs really is in the British DNA, new research into humour has found.

Academics have discovered that such a ‘negative’ sense of humour is linked to genes found in Britons, but not Americans. However a love of more cheerful, ‘positive’ comedy is found on both sides of the Atlantic.

Scientists have admitted that they are baffled about why the results – compiled from a survey of 5,000 twins - should point to a genetic difference in national senses of humour.

‘It is possible that differences exist between these nations in their sense of humour and that these may be the result of different genetic and environmental influences,’ said psychology professor Rod Martin, who conducted the research.

He told The Independent on Sunday: ‘The British may have a greater tolerance for a wide range of expressions of humour, including what many Americans might consider aggressively sarcastic or denigrating: like Fawlty Towers and Blackadder. In the North American version of The Office the lead character is much less insensitive and intolerant than in the original UK version.’

Britain’s love of ’negative’ comedy also extended to more offensive, racist or sexist gags, as well as self-deprecating humour, the research from the University of Western Ontario found

‘One theory is that these styles of humour are associated with other personality traits that probably have a genetic basis,’ Dr Martin added. ‘Self-defeating humour tends to be highly correlated with neuroticism. People who tend to be more negative, depressed and anxious tend to use that kind of humour.’

Published: 9 Mar 2008