I think it is partly that taking the mickey out of each other is more or less a national sport here in Britain (although I understand that the Ausies may have raised it to an even higher level) and almost any identifiable group will come in for a share. The banter is generally indicative of a degree of affection, people we genuinely dislike are treated very correctly, or ignored altogether.

Not being a banjoist I am free to get a rise from them if I can (although I quite enjoy the instrument in moderation, and reserve the real venom for tambourines and triangles) accordionists and BMW drivers are also fair game.

In return, I can expect a degree of ribbing about singing with a finger in the ear (I sing unaccompanied, but never f.i.e.) and about pulling the other leg, which has bells on it (five years since I danced morris, but would-be wits have long memories). Tyke delights in calling me "the little fat git", others like to ask me the correct collective noun for bankers (a wunch b.t.w.) that being my former job.

If I was truly bothered about such teasing it would probably end, but I would doubtless be told I had no sense of humour. That is among the most deeply offensive things one can say to someone in this country. So, like the rest, I dish it out and get it back again.

I generally do this sort of thing face to face, rather than on line, partly because it is more fun, and partly because not all cultures see such things the same way and it would be wrong to hurt innocent bystanders.

I don't know if this helps at all, Jerry, but I would say that the jokes are generally made without malice. If we start getting terribly polite and formal then it might be time to start looking for cover.