Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with funny

Make me make you laugh.

uxo — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:48:28 -0800

How can I be funnier in person? I like making people laugh. I've been told my writing is funny by several people. In person, however, it's a completely different story. I have the demeanor of a doctor who has to tell you the "bad news." (Wanna hang out some time?)

Any tips or ideas on becoming a funnier in person, particularly in a crowd of people. Books? Mental or physical exercises? Change of attitude? Is there a "state of mind" the aspiring comedian constantly tries to maintain?

Note: I don't have access to improv classes.

Other note: I may be opening a can of worms here, but I'm female. I'm only bringing this up because I feel there's a set of cultural expectations in the U.S. that make it harder for me to be funny in a scathing, ballbusting way. I love busting people's chops (playfully), but I often hold back because yes, I don't want to risk "hurting their feelings."

(I'd love for somebody to tell me I'm imagining this though, and that the route for becoming "funnier" as a woman is the same as for a man.)

TIME FOR MORE STORIES

yeoja — Mon, 19 May 2008 09:49:10 -0800

Last night, I spent an hour reading the crazy, hilarious stories posted here. One hour was not enough. I need more davesecretaryatwork - or at least, more like him. Rarely do I laugh so hard at things I read, let alone things I read online. A chuckle or giggle, yes, but not the kind of laughter brought on by random stories of kyle, camping trips gone wrong, floating hoo-has and tawny cougars.

The stories ended far too soon, and according to the comments, davesecretary has moved to China with no new stories to be found. Sadly, my Google searches also found nothing new.

Where can I find more awesome, hilarious writers, bloggers or other material online like davesecretary? Not necessarily ones with the exact same writing style (though that would be great), but any that make you really, REALLY laugh out loud. I realize humor is subjective, but I'd love to hear any suggestions. The only writers I can think of are Dave Barry or Douglas Adams, but to me their styles are merely humorous than outright BUAHAHAHA awesome.

:)

Day 1 - LOL. Day 2 - LOL....

Solomon — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 15:30:54 -0800

I'm looking to find some funny (as in LOL) blogs, that are updated at least once a day with jokes, funny pictures, amusing stories, etc. I love Icanhazcheezburger. Some of the pics on there are really inspired, and others make me laugh out loud. I also like short funny stories, especially those of a personal nature. For example, I loved The Astoria Notes.

I want to view other, similar blogs with amusing content, that are updated at least once a day. I want to sit down with my morning mug of coffee and laugh myself awake.

What blogs might I find amusing?

Why do offices make us so crazy?

reenum — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 12:58:53 -0800

Looking for books about the absurdity of life in an office or corporate environment I've been reading "Then We Came to the End" by Joshua Ferris. I am loving this book.

Are there any other books about life in offices that you would recommend? Bonus points if it focuses on the absurdity of life in such environments like Ferris's book does.

I saw this thread, but it doesn't quite emphasize what I'm looking for.

Where can I find a funny picture that was circulated around the Internet a few months ago (digg, reddit, etc.)?

raddevon — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:07:21 -0800

Where can I find a funny picture that was circulated around the Internet a few months ago (digg, reddit, etc.)? The picture shows a closed toll gate with car tracks on one side of the gate where people had merely gone around it rather than paying the toll. That's my memory of it, at least.

Fondness of O.P.P.

arcticwoman — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:04:31 -0800

Can you help me find funny graphs/charts to show in my university level statistics class? They don't have to be technically correct, I just want something to put onscreen while the students are coming into class. Stuff like this is ok, but SFW is preferable.

Please help my sister laugh for Christmas.

brain cloud — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:01:57 -0800

Need funny, easy-to-finish books, that aren't moronic. STAT. Getting a really, really late start on my sister's Christmas present (but it's ok...she understands). Currently she's a stay at home mom with a sub-6-month-old. My sister is super smart, highly educated, and needs a book, or books, that she can breeze through and entertain her in those moments when the baby is sleeping. She doesn't want to think, she wants to laugh and pass the time. Any suggestions? If you've ever read a book, laughed the whole time, finished it in a weekend and passed it on to the first person who seemed interested, I would love to know about it. I'm drawing blanks, since any of the books that I have read fitting this description, were referred to me by my sister or vice-versa.

Make me laugh

about_time — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 11:16:33 -0800

Short: What's the funniest audio album you've heard lately that I can give as a gift? Long: I am good friends with a co-worker who is doing a lot of work that benefits all of us in my org, and he is really being run ragged by others outside our organization. Recently, he told me he is so overworked that he is beginning to lose his sense of humor. So I thought it I would buy him a funny standup comedian record or the like. Something he can listen to in his car and laugh outloud to relieve stress (and feel appreciated)

So, what is the funniest audio record you've heard recently? It can be adult, but it's a work relationship, so I would say nothing odd, but dirty words are ok for sure. Perhaps Lisa Lampanelli is over the line. This isn't a christmas gift.

How do I make visitors laugh at the expense of my kitty?

Alpenglow — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 08:59:45 -0800

I need a funny saying for a sign that will go in a window. It will hang over my fat cat, who hardly moves. I know you guys can come up with something great. I have a fat white cat. He sits on a large footrest that is in front of a window all day. The window is right next to the front door. I'd like to put up a sign over the cat that visitors can see. Something funny. They always notice the cat, and I'd like to make them laugh. The cat is very happy. He's just old, lazy and arthritic. He's on meds, and is spoiled rotten, and is perfectly content gazing out the window all day, taking breaks only to eat and poop. Help me exploit this. Thanks!!

Merry Fucking Christmas Cards

melorama — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:11:27 -0800

Where can I buy legitimately funny, sarcastic and/or offensive Christmas Cards? After seeing the greeting cards that The Onion are selling, I was wondering who else out there sells the best greeting cards in the same sarcastic/witty/snarky vein. I'm not looking for cute-funny, obviously-shocking-funny, or geek-funny. In other words, smart but unpretentious, sometimes twisted and sarcastic humor.

The style of card I'm looking for should appeal to someone who is a huge fan of things like The Onion, Chunklet Magazine, McSweeney's, etc.

What are some funny tearjerkers?

Sticherbeast — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 14:43:08 -0800

Movie recommendation time: what are some funny tearjerkers? Bittersweet comedies are fine, too, but I'm mostly interested in actively funny movies which also go for the tear ducts.

A Dry Sense of Humor?

notyou — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:02:49 -0800

What makes "dry humor" dry?

Delving into the realm of the quirky through books

reenum — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 08:52:39 -0800

I'm looking for books with quirky storylines or quirky characters doing strange things. I really enjoy reading books whose premises or characters are off the wall. Some recent favorites:
Petroleum Man by Stanley Crawford
Towing Jehovah by James Morrow
Gilligan's Wake by Tom Carson
Honey Don't by Tim Sandlin
A Short History of Tractors In Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka
Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy O'Toole
The Undeground Man by Mick Jackson
Villa Incognito by Tom Robbins
The Life of Pi by Yann Martel

It really doesn't matter if it's fiction or nonfiction. I just want to read about outlandish situations or people. Bonus points if the book is funny.

Thanks all!

I Will Give You Ahhhht!

fandango_matt — Fri, 07 Sep 2007 17:36:29 -0800

I'm looking for a funny commercial--it was something about web design, or designers, and it was a series of scenes from the client's perspective, shot from behind a desk, and the web designers were presenting their proposals for the client's site. The entire commercial is filmed with the point of view from the client's desk. Each design team is pointing or gesturing at a laptop.

The voice over says something about, "Not all web designers are alike. Choosing the right designer can be difficult."

The first design team is a pair or stereotypical nerd developers with glasses, describing their proposal:
"...In addition to building more server-side apps and static HTML pages, we'll be using both dHTML and xHTML along with PHP and CSS to provide dynamic user-driven content..."
(pointing with pencils at laptop screen)

Cut to the second designer, a guy in a black turtleneck:
"I will give you ahhhht!" in a fake-sounding accent.
("Voila!" hand gesture around laptop screen)

Cut to the third designer, a guy with a crew cut in a t-shirt, black pants, and combat boots, slam-dancing in the middle of the room.
(No dialogue, just loud thrash music)

Voiceover: "We'll help you build the site that's right for you. (Name of company). (Slogan.)

Does this sound familiar? The commercial aired in the late 90s or early 2000, during the dot-com heyday. Anyone?

What to do in place of the missing "X" on the back of my Maxima?

letahl — Thu, 30 Aug 2007 10:48:08 -0800

Help me figure out a clever or funny thing to do in place of the missing "X" on the back of my Maxima. I have a white 1996 Nissan Maxima. The "Maxima" logo on the back is missing the X. As much as I like telling people that "ma ima" is Japanese for "my car", I think it's time to upgrade.

Before I get out the duct tape and make an X myself, any funny or clever suggestions? I'm not opposed to things that light-up, although I'm pretty cheap.

Carry on,

Let.

What are the funniest-sounding English words to speakers of other languages?

paul_smatatoes — Thu, 23 Aug 2007 09:42:43 -0800

What are the funniest-sounding English words to speakers of other languages? If you grew up speaking another language (for some weird reason) what English words still make you giggle?

Can't remember a funny anecdote..

theiconoclast31 — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 11:12:36 -0800

What is this joke? ('concept of an apple'?) I remember reading an anecdote, probably on the net, about a philosopher lecturing on about an 'apple' versus the 'concept of an apple'. The listener, tired of hearing this philosophical hogwash, gave an especially witty response.

(Maybe he bonked the philosopher on the head and said that he wanted him to understand the 'concept' of a bonk on the head. Or something.)

It may have been in MeFi, but I'm not sure. Anybody recall this anecdote? Googling for apples just brings me news about Steve Jobs :/

How can I become a funny writer?

nitsuj — Tue, 31 Jul 2007 11:36:27 -0800

How can I become a funny writer? I'm an average (professional) writer. I'm no Jim Gaffigan, but I have a relatively good (alright, fine -- above average) sense of humor in social situations. Problem is, I have a hard time injecting that humor into my writing.

What are some good books/resources/tips/tutorials/whatever that can help me transfer my sense of humor to my writing? I'm not interested in learning how to write jokes, or become a stand-up comedian. I want to spice up my normal, everyday writing with humor.

Here are some previous questions that are helpful, but didn't quite address my problem: 1, 2

Sayonara Cereal

Aghast. — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 20:48:13 -0800

I've been trying really hard to find this commercial for a long time with no luck. It is from the late nineties I think and it is most likely a cereal commercial. Description: A guy is eating cereal but his long hair keeps falling in the bowl, so he goes to the bathroom and bends over as if he's eating cereal. He cuts his hair so that it won't fall in bowl anymore. Then he goes back and eats cereal without hair in the way. The song playing in the background has lyrics that go: "The time has come for us to say 'sayonara.'" Anyone remember this? Have links to commercial or song? Any info would help.

Help me find an old Onion article

nbrier — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 18:07:05 -0800

Trying to find Onion article titled "Buchanan Woos Gay Vote: 'I Promise I Will Not Incinerate You'" . . . It seems to be missing from The Onion's archives. Anyone either have a hard copy they could scan or can point me in the direction of the text? Thanks.

I want to laugh my fool head off.

The Esteemed Doctor Bunsen Honeydew — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 00:40:18 -0800

As a guy with a lot of free time on his hands (Student over the summer), I want to catch up on my comedies. So, what are the funniest films (or collections of TV shows) of all time?
Specifically, I want to laugh my fool head off.
I know I like: 'smart' humor, python-esque absurdist humor (Life of Brian, Holy Grail), movies that are hilariously terrible ( The Last Dragon), 'well done' lowbrow stuff (I loved Anchorman and Zoolander, but could have lived without Talladega Nights), and satire.

Those are more of a guide than guidelines, though, so please reccomend anything that will make me laugh, chuckle, giggle, snort, roll around in mirth, or any combination thereof.

Sales vs Advertising Illustration

kaytrem — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 06:07:57 -0800

Marketing vs. Sales vs. advertising vs. PR -- help me find a great illustration that breaks down the difference between mktg sales PR etc. by showing different perspectives of a guy saying he's a good lover (advertising) or women describing the guy as a good lover (PR)... it was featured in DIgg or Lifehacker or boingboing a while back but I can't find it!

Oh, look, the poolboy is here.

lekvar — Mon, 11 Jun 2007 14:43:01 -0800

I'm looking for porn that contains plot. Stop laughing, I'm serious. My girlfriend and I have enjoyed an adult movie or two in the past, and she's expressed interest in more. The ones we've seen are Lollipop Girls in Hard Candy (in 3-D!) and Pirates. While the steamy action is all very nice, laughing at the "plot" is fun too. I don't think we'd be as much into the "industrial film covered in fur" style of adult entertainments.

So, can anyone recommend teh pr0n that is both steamy and good to laugh along with/at? Or maybe something like Caligula that tries to be both porn and high cinema?

Funny Feature Films From '65-'95

eli_d — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 18:40:04 -0800

My mom is sick & I want to send her some "laugh out loud funny" movies that are a bit older (think 1965-1995). All ratings ok. Any suggestions? My moms about 56. I'm 23. I don't really know much about what would be the great comedies she'd remember watching when she was younger. I eagerly await all suggestions.

Looking for clean Comedy...

Mrs. Smith — Mon, 04 Jun 2007 05:49:39 -0800

Looking for good, clean comedians. My kids love to listen to comedians on CD or on their iPods, but I'm running out of choices for them. We like & have Bill Cosby, Jeff Allen, Chonda Pierce, Weird Al, and "some" Bill Engvall/Jeff Foxworthy.

Criteria: Must be clean & funny. Bonus points for those available on iTunes and for Christian artists.