I agree with you about the Canadians CarolC. Some of the best American comedians are Canadian. Kids in the Hall, many of the Chicago Second City and later SNL folks are Canadian, etc.

There are definitely culturally different ways of using irony, in no way limited to Jewish humor. In fact, I wouldn't typify Jewish humor as ironic at all, but that's the way I perceive it.

I've never thought that the British and Irish were better at irony than other cultural groups, but I will agree that they think they are!

But thankfully, irony isn't the only form of humor. I much prefer a wickedly sarcastic wit, and a good well-aimed parody, myself. Not abusive, Don Rickles stuff, though. Is that more "American" because it is more direct? Maybe. But Americans certainly aren't the only ones in the world who use that for humor.

Perhaps the British need to get out in the world more and experience more kinds of humor than their beloved "default" ironic mode?

Just a thought.