Everyone loves a good laugh, and everyone has different tastes in comedy. The thing about comedy is that it’s subjective. Some people can think one comedian is funny, while others don’t think that comedian is funny at all. Being funny and telling jokes is weird. Some people are just born with it, it seems, while other people take lots of time to practice their tone, timing, approach, etc. Scientists have wondered, is it possible that there is perhaps a funniest joke of all time? Welp, I guess so!
Instead of curing cancer or saving the world, psychologist Dr. Richard Wiseman, sought the perfect joke. Over the course of one year, the doc surveyed 1.5 million people from all over the world to rate jokes. Are you ready for what science says is the funniest joke in the world?
Okay, here it is…
Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn’t seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps: “My friend is dead! What can I do?” The operator says: “Calm down, I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: “OK, now what?”
Are you done laughing yet? Me either. I can hardly contain myself. Now don’t get me wrong, it’s kind of funny. It’s not NOT funny, but the world’s funniest joke?! Not a chance.
Dr. Wiseman said that all jokes tested got different reactions from different groups of people, but this joke received the most universal appeal.
If science says it, it must be right! Go ahead and give it a try with your pals, but don’t blame me if it’s a dud.
