The English are often "offended" or, more accurately, unimpressed by American humor due to fundamental cultural differences in, and attitudes towards, comedy. While British humor relies on irony, understatement, and cynicism, American humor is often perceived as too direct, earnest, and lacking in subtlety. Black humor is rarely understood in the UK where you would expect it to reign.



A classical cellist, a pop singer, and a folk musician are on death row and are about to be executed by the electric chair. The executioner takes the cellist to the chair and asks if he has any last words. The internist shakes his head, and the executioner sits him down in the chair, and turns on the switch to begin the electrocution. Miraculously, the chair doesn’t turn on, the cellist is safe.

“In my 30 years as an executioner, I’ve never seen this before,” says the executioner. “Today is your lucky day, You are going to live.”

The pop star’s turn comes, and the executioner asks if he has any last words. “Nope!” he says, with the slightest smile on his face as he eyes the chair. He is placed in the chair, and the executioner flips the switch, and another miracle occurs, the chair doesn’t turn on.

“This is your lucky day,” says the executioner, astounded by the miracle that just took place. The pop star is free to leave.

The executioner summons the folksinger. “Any last words, sir?”

“The chair isn’t plugged in.”