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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!

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    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.

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    Tobias Reaper
    Community Member
    5 days 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

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    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.

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    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.

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    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.”

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    #14

    Tweet about forgetting a toastie machine, showcasing British humor.

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    Robert Trebor
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    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.”

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    #26

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

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    Denise Aitchison
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Even the US pint is smaller. They don't do drinking like we do drinking. Plus we have a whole load of Poles to help.

    Jan Rosier
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And then along come the Flemish, outdrinking them all... normal lager over here is 5.2 % alcohol. That's just for thirst. Real bear (monks, triples and whatnot) start at 7.5% alcohol and you drink each of them in 33 cl amounts.

    ucp
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I picked up a couple of cans for the Eurostar back to London from Brussels. Didn’t check the strength, as it looked like a standard lager. 8% abv! Only drank one.

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

    on average, probably. Unless you go for a specific demographic, like say - college campuses

    Pandemonium
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Come visit and I'll take you to my local cannabis shop and it'll be game on

    Cpt. Christan "Panda Bombero"
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I somewhat concur, except that live in Kentucky, us and Tennessee, might be your wildcard. It would also depend on the the type of alcohol we were consuming.

    WorkAholic1
    Community Member
    4 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd believe you, but I have a hard time believing you when football season is in full swing. Do you know how many tailgating parties are held across this nation? Not to mention the folks who actually GO to the game? That's a lot of drinking buddies to comepete with. Oh, and don't forget St. Patrick's Day (largest one is in St. Louis, MO).

    Michael None
    Community Member
    19 hours ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your on UK but I have to warn you a lot of Germans' and Irish immigrated here and it wasn't that long ago.

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

    To be fair we do start practicing earlier. At 18 instead of 21.

    Suck it Trebek
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Unless you're going up against Wisconsinites. We will always win that.

    Suck it Trebek
    Community Member
    2 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not if you're going up against Wisconsinites. Then you will always lose.

    Show thyself
    Community Member
    3 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That'd be an unfair contest. The average person from the UK is at least 3 years ahead in training, compared to the average person from the USA.

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

    Well the Irish are their own country. But they could probably out do everyone.

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

    They haven't met the state of Wisconsin in US. Professional drunks here!

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

    Well you sure would beat me because I don't hardly drink alcoholic beverages.

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

    Well the US do have Bud Light, whilst we have Awd Roger (is it still on tap?).

    Brenda Spagnola-Wilson
    Community Member
    5 days ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Remember, though, that a lot of us Americans are of Irish and Scottish decent. I can't speak for all of us, but I know I've done my personal best to live up to the standards of my Irish ancestors ! Unfortunately, having lived in London and Belfast, I must admit to hating Guinness. Not a huge beer drinker, and prefer it cold. But I did develop a taste for hard cider! Haven't found a decent one here 😕

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

    It’s not “hard” cider! Cider is alcoholic. It was alcoholic before your country existed. Everything else is apple juice.

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    #30

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

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    HeavyMetalHeart
    Community Member
    5 days 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!

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    #34

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

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    Nizumi
    Community Member
    5 days 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. :)

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    #38

    Tweet showcasing British humor about the awkwardness of takeaway delivery.

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    Hannah
    Community Member
    5 days 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...

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    #40

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

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    Robert Trebor
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    #47

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

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    Pittsburgh rare
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    #50

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

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    Mohsie Supposie
    Community Member
    5 days 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!

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    #53

    Funny-British-Tweets

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    Verena
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    #56

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    Pandemonium
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    #57

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    Owen
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    #59

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    Fat Harry (Oi / You)
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    #65

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    justagirl
    Community Member
    4 days 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

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    KatSaidWhat
    Community Member
    4 days 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

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    Darryl Martin
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    #73

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    Rachael green
    Community Member
    5 days 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 😂

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    #81

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    James016
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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    #83

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    Rachel Parker
    Community Member
    5 days 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.

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