ADVERTISEMENT

Sarcasm is a prevalent trait in British humor. It often pokes fun at the absurdity of life, some of which may come across as mildly insulting. Usually expressed through light banter and comical insults, it is generally relatable enough to draw some laughs. 

Here are some screenshots of posts as examples. These are from the British Tweets Facebook page, a collection of jokes, dry wit, and puns that hit home for people in the UK. But even if you’re not from that side of the world, you may nonetheless find amusement in these. 

Enjoy scrolling through!

RELATED:

    American humor is likely more familiar to many, thanks to Hollywood and sitcoms. To better understand British humor, famed comedian Ricky Gervais wrote an article in Time Magazine in 2011. 

    One observation he pointed out was that Americans are more reserved in their use of irony, while fellow Brits “use it liberally as prepositions in everyday speech.” 

    “We tease our friends. We use sarcasm as a shield and a weapon. We avoid sincerity until it’s absolutely necessary,” Gervais wrote.

    #5

    Close-up of a perfectly toasted bread slice captioned with a witty British humor tweet.

    LizRummy Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Tobias Reaper
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i think an award ceremony for the best toasts of the year we can call it the toasties the award will be a golden toaster with toast sticking out the top

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Gervais is best known for his character, David Brent, in The Office, a mockumentary about corporate life. An American version of the sitcom starring Steve Carrell was later released. 

    Regarding the dry nature of British humor, Gervais admits that it’s not for everybody. He describes it as “play fighting,” which is a “sign of affection” for someone you like and an “ego bursting” for someone you dislike.

    #8

    Tweet about British humor, featuring a woman being petty at a Tesco checkout, gaining likes and engagement.

    Pandamoanimum Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Angela B
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I do this when a driver doesn't give me "the wave" or "the nod" when I let them in front of me in traffic.

    Load More Replies...
    David
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    There is rarely a thank you here (Western US). It's just something people do. I think one reason is the person is doing it for themselves as much as you. They don't want the stuff behind them mixed in with their purchases.

    Der Kommissar
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If someone in front of me does not put the divider behind their purchases, I ask them if they are paying for my stuff

    Janissary35680
    Community Member
    Premium
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I put dividers down to separate my purchases from those of people before and after me. I'm slightly OCD if you can't tell. 🫡

    TribbleThinking
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol. I also push them towards the end so that the people waiting can start unloading their baskets.

    Load More Replies...
    Campy
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You put the divider down for yourself, so you aren't incorrectly paying for someone else's stuff.

    MC C
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    since when do you say thank you for that? you are doing it for yourself, everyone needs to stop being such self intitled twits

    El Dee
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get this, when you put the divider down you do it so you don't get charged for the stuff belinging to the person behind you so it's done in self interest..

    axle f
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ...so when she picked it back up.... she's indicating she'll pay for his. No? 🤭

    Ray Davis
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Always say, "your welcome," to the very busy lady who blasts through the door I'm holding open .

    Gracie Mae
    Community Member
    1 day ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i did not realize this was a trigger for some people...I do it all the time & never expect anything from the person behind me. now i have to wonder if i even say thank you to the person ahead of me when they do it...some things are just automatic, though, you know?

    Mary Peace
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm slightly deaf so I couldn't risk the possibility they might have said thank you but I didn't hear them.

    kkrq2vk4tm
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    putting a divider down is in your own interest as it stops the persons goods going through the cash point with yours and causing a hold up whilst it's sorted out, putting it back is beyond petty it's just childish

    Remi (He/Him)
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In Finland the divider behind your groceries is the one that's your responsibility. Also if you need to put down the divider for the inconsiderate fool before you, remember to do it loudly, with a clack and a sigh.

    UncleJohn3000
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I put my stuff on the belt and a box of chocolates fell over the barrier to the stuff of the woman in front of me. Before she could even draw a breath I sprawled forward muttering "Mine! MINE!" before grabbing the box in my paws and retreating. She just laughed.

    Martin König
    Community Member
    6 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In my country we put the divider behind our purchase, becouse the person in front of us did it too. Not for the person behind us, but because we don't want strangers thing in our bags and we don't want to pay for them. You're wellcome, England.

    George D
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How about people you don't even wave or acknowledge it when you let them in the line in stalled traffic. Jerks.

    Jenka666
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes I don’t put one down just to watch the person behind me squirm.

    Jalunney
    Community Member
    1 week ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    How dare he show his toxic masculinity by not saying thank you to something he may not have seen. Also why was it necessary to include the genders in this? Oh wait, I see.

    JoRo
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The result would have been exactly the same had it been a woman; there is no mention that the problem was because it was a man, the impoliteness was the issue. To include small details of the people involved in an event is basic storytelling - not everything is a slight, no matter how much you reach for it!

    Load More Replies...
    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Gervais says British comedy’s offensive and slightly abrasive nature is more about speaking the truth. He never purposely attacks anyone with his comedy but always says what he means. 

    “Be honest. No one should ever be offended by the truth. That way, you’ll never have to apologize,” he wrote.

    ADVERTISEMENT

    However, some experts believe there is no such thing as a British sense of humor. For University of Salford lecturer in performance and comedy Dr. Ian Wilkie, comedy is always open to interpretation and counterexamples you can’t pin down. 

    In an interview with the BBC, he described the process as “like trying to nail jelly to a wall.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    #14

    Tweet about forgetting a toastie machine, showcasing British humor.

    laurennnhxx Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Robert Trebor
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have toasties quite often, The machine is ridiculously easy to use, and ridiculously easy to clean. Unlike most of my small appliances.

    View more commentsArrow down menu

    Gervais echoes a similar statement: all comedy is the same regardless of where you come from. But for him, it’s more of an “intellectual pursuit” where his objective is not to dumb down his audience. 

    “As a comedian, I think my job isn’t just to make people laugh but also make them think,” he stated. “Not everyone will like what I say or find it funny. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

    ADVERTISEMENT
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #28

    Tweet joking about UK vs USA drinking competition, showcasing British humor.

    _harry_hall Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Denise Aitchison
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You're including the Irish, Scot's, and Welsh? I 100% think you're right. We did start as a land for Puritans.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #30

    Tweet showcasing British humor about checking takeaways before buying a house.

    gabbiejarvis Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    HeavyMetalHeart
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our house was newly built when we moved in and it was two years before any delivery places acknowledged we existed and would accept our order!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #34

    Tweet showcasing British humor with a funny plane conversation between a mother and a passenger.

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Nizumi
    Community Member
    1 week ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being overly literal (meaning: this is a joke), I have to point out it depends on where your flight's heading. ;) If you're flying in to a major hub like Paris or Munich, you might be connecting to go somewhere else. But it you're on a Ryan Air heading for Malaga, then fair to laugh at your mum. :)

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #38

    Tweet about Crocs being versatile footwear in various settings, exemplifying trademark British humor.

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Robert Trebor
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have 4 pairs. My feet swell and recede like the tide. Crocs are the answer. Shies make my feet unhappy, and I want happy feet.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #40

    Tweet showcasing British humor about the awkwardness of takeaway delivery.

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Hannah
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes I hang a measuring tape around my neck and have a pencil behind my ear. That way they will know I was BUSY. My sewing machine broke around four months ago...

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    #47

    Tweet showcasing British humor about landlords keeping deposits over minor issues.

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Some people just don't pay the last month before moving because they know they're not getting the deposit back no matter how pristine the apartment is. Not saying you should do that but also not saying you shouldn't.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #50

    Tweet showcasing British humor with a clever persuasion about sharing pizza costs on a train.

    JL542 Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Mohsie Supposie
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Typical salesman technique! Only works if you are actually going to make that pizza last for a whole year!

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
    Unlimited content
    Ad-free browsing
    Dark mode
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #53

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Verena
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Five weeks plus some extra days, all paid leave - there are emloyees on this planet silently weeping now.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #56

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Pandemonium
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your football supporters have amazing voices. I'm always impressed with the call and response and creativity of the lyrics. Must be the school assemblies then.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #57

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Owen
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Definitely not just you. I have found the perfect flat, because it's next to a Tesco express. They have all my money now.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #59

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I saw a man follow a woman through the grocery section of Tesco shouting "OH NOT BLOODY POK CHOI AGAIN! IT'S SO BLOODY BLAND!" and that is the most middle class thing I've ever seen in Tesco. I did once see a small child say "Mummy, can we get some Quinoa please?" but that was Waitrose, so expected.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #65

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    justagirl
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    yes. and...does anyone else just think, "oh it's fine, i have time tomorrow!" and then scramble to do whatever you were supposed to do at 1 a.m?

    #67

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yes, pay day - the day you pay your bills and then work out what is left and what your daily budget is.

    #70

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Darryl Martin
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I imagine that this is just the latest in a long list of things he put somewhere that someone moved without telling him that it had been moved. I find it incredibly frustrating too. Just let him know where you moved it to.

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #73

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rachael green
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was 14 years old and I worked at a chippy for 2.75 per hour I got to go home with a bag of chips, a kebab and an arm full of burns. Still felt like a good deal 😂

    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda
    #81

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    James016
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Did you ever notice on gameshows like Bullseye than if the contestants won the big prize it was some home appliance like a new fridge but if they lost, the show wheeled out a speedboat saying that this is what they would have won.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    #83

    Funny-British-Tweets

    British Tweets Report

    Add photo comments
    POST
    Rachel Parker
    Community Member
    1 week ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Never. It goes, like this: - I’m a kid and I partly believe this stuff and partly it’s fun. Adult, I’m busy I can’t think about changing my habits. Middle Age, I’m tired and I hate everybody and saying hello to a magpie is one c***k in the misery. Old, I don’t give a s**t, I’ll say hello to whoever I blinking want.

    View More Replies...
    View more commentsArrow down menu
    ADVERTISEMENT
    See Also on Bored Panda