What's so funny? British Humour Explained

Suitable for CEFR upper-intermediate and above (B2+)

 #BritishHumour #BritishComedy #jokes

Jokes can be lost in translation in any language, but British humour in particular, with its often undetectable sarcasm and constant deadpan delivery, can seem utterly bewildering, even to other native English speakers from around the world. 

There is nothing worse that feeling left out when everyone else is laughing but you missed the joke, but don't worry! I have put together a complete guide to British humour so that you can better understand British comedy and enjoy using it yourself. 

1. Irony 

Irony is when something has the opposite or a very different result than what is expected. Irony is also when a speaker's intention or meaning is the opposite of what they are saying. British people love to highlight the absurdity of everyday life and make fun of it, so irony is an essential feature of British humour. 

For example, is a marriage counsellor got divorced that would be very ironic or if it is raining heavily a British person might say 'what lovely weather we're having.' 

To respond to ironic comments you might say 'oh, the irony' or 'how ironic', but it is by no means necessary. In most cases where someone has highlighted situational irony a wry smile is enough.

2. Sarcasm

Sarcasm is another form of irony, but there is one important difference: sarcasm involves someone being insulted or mocked. Sarcasm is used when the speaker has the intention of belittling or annoying someone with humourous effect.

A commonly used example of sarcasm would be catching a colleague drinking coffee with their feet up when they are supposed to be working and telling them 'don't work too hard.' 

A popular way to respond to a sarcastic comment is to go along with it. A British person might respond to the above comment by saying 'don't worry, I won't' or by asking the person who made the comment to do something for them. 'Oh while you're up, you wouldn't mind...'

3. Deadpan / dry humour

With comedy it's all in the delivery. Deadpan is telling a joke using a serious tone and keeping a straight face (without smiling). A funny story delivered in a serious way can make it even more hilarious, but it can confuse English speakers from other parts of the world, such as America, where humour is typically more obvious. 

 

Most British standup comedians deliver jokes or funny stories deadpan in their stage performances. It is ok to laugh out loud to a deadpan joke, but not necessary.

4. Satire

Satire uses irony and exaggeration to ridicule or criticise people, or more often, public services, politicians and institutions. Satire is an important part of the British TV panel shows Have I Got News For You and Mock The Week. I recommend these programmes for upper-intermediate and advanced English learners.

 

 

5. Macabre 

Otherwise known as dark humour, the macabre makes jokes from situations involving death or other serious, gruesome or tragic subject matter. Although it is widely used in Britain, it is also popular in the USA. The American TV and movie series The Addams Family is a great example of dark humour that is suitable for a wide audience, intermediate+ English learners included!

 

Some people may be easily offended by dark humour, so it is important to be familiar with or at least confident that the audience is likely to respond well and that you are using it at the right moment. You could get yourself into a lot of trouble if you don't.

 

 

6. Self-deprecation

British people tend not to take themselves too seriously. Self-depracation is the act of belittling or undermining yourself or your own behaviour. The British people generally have a reputation for being very reserved, which is associated with also being excessively modest, so it is hardly surprising that self-depracating humour is popular in the UK. 

However, there is a fine line between self-depracating humour and genuinely devaluing, degrading yourself or coming across as having an overly negative attitude, so it shouldn't be used too often. Keep it lighthearted and always deliver with a smile.

7. Wit

Someone who is described as witty is skilled in making intelligent but funny remarks. Wit is widely used on the internet and in response to social media posts. Following funny tweets from accounts like @lmao on Twitter is both entertaining and a good way to become familiar with using wit yourself. 

 

 

 

8. Banter

Banter is an exhcange of light and playful teasing remarks between people that are generally very familiar with one another. Banter is an integral part of workplace culture in many industries in the UK and can be used effectively with wit in witty banter. The difference between banter and antagonising someone lies in body language and intonation. Teasing is only considered banter if the person on the receiving end of critical remarks finds it funny and/or responds immediately with an equally scathing or witty comment. Banter is also used widely in flirting and dating as a way of building rapport with a potential love interest. 

You can witness some of the best banter British TV has to offer on motoring magazine show Top Gear (intermediate+), and sports-themed comedy panel show A League of Their Own (advanced). 

 

9. Innuendos

Innuendos are comments used for humour that are suggestive of something sexual but do not refer to it directly. The purple aubergine/eggplant emoji on social media and instant messaging platforms is used as an innuendo to represent the male sexual organ. 

Italian TV chef and comedian Gino D'Acampo has become famous in the UK for using innuendos to great effect as a non-native English speaker. He often takes advantage of mistakes with vocabulary and pronunciation and feigns ignorance to make his jokes even more funny. He appeared regularly on British lifestyle magazine and chat show This Morning.

10. Puns 

 

 

Puns are a play on words or a joke that exploits words and expressions with double meanings or which have similar pronunciation. In the picture the word 'lute' is used because it sounds very similar to the word 'loot', which is a slang term for money.

 

Puns can often be found on the front of greetings cards and in memes shared on social media platforms. Many small businesses in the UK also use puns to name their companies and attract the attention of consumers. For example, in my hometown there is a hairdressers called A Cut Above which is a phrase that uses the hairdressers main task to provide customers with a haircut, but which also means something superior, like in 'his graphic design skills are a cut above the rest' or 'that new steak restaurant in town is a cut above'.There is also a fish and chip shop called The Codfather, which sounds very similar to the title of classic gangster movie The Godfather.

 

 

 

What kind of humour is popular in your country and which styles do you prefer? Write your answers in the comments! 

 

Life in the UK: The History of Stonehenge

Suitable for intermediate and above CEFR B1+

Stonehenge is one of the most famous sights in Great Britain, but, with UNESCO World Heritage status, it is also considered one of the most important historical sites in the world.

Vocabulary

oval, ditch, masterpiece, ancient, huge, solstice, monument, megalith, archaeologists, rituals, burials, crops, harvest, excavated, worship, horseshoe, deity, horizontal, aligned

Use an English dictionary or translator to write down the meaning of these words before reading or listening to the text.

What is a henge?

A henge is basically a ring of raised earth that is roughly circular or oval in shape with a ditch running around it. There are usually between one and four entrances and they are thought to have been used for rituals and burials.

There are many stone circles and henges throughout The British Isles, but Stonehenge has the largest stone megaliths and has therefore always been the most famous. The largest stones, also known as sarsens, stand up to 9m tall and weigh an average of 25 tonnes. Some ancient henges have been reconstructed with wood rather than stone, like this one in Northumberland.

The Story of the Stones

Stonehenge is located in a field near Salisbury in Wiltshire, England. Although the exact date is unknown, the stones are thought to have been placed between four and five thousand years ago. Stonehenge is a masterpiece of ancient engineering and it would have taken a huge effort from many people working with the most basic tools.

Why the Neolithic and Bronze Age people of Britain put such effort into constructing Stonehenge remains a mystery, but curiously, the stones are exactly aligned with the movement of the sun. Recording the seasons and the solstices were very important for the emergence of agriculture and farming to work out the annual schedule for sowing and harvesting crops, but archaeologists believe that Stonehenge was much more than an early calendar because of the number of human and animal bones excavated near the site. For this reason it is thought that Stonehenge was a place for spiritual rituals and celebrations associated with the worship of a solar deity. 

The first stones were laid in a double circle and were known as bluestones, but these were replaced by the horseshoe of large sarsens we see today in about 2500BC. Originally, all of the sarsens would have had a stone laid horizontally across the top to connect them, which would have created a magnificent inner and outer circle of stone arches. Over time, however, some of the stones were removed, possibly to be used for other buildings or construction. 

Many people that feel a spiritual connection to the stones or follow ancient religions and practices, such as pagans and druids, still gather at Stonehenge every year to watch the sunrise during the summer and winter solstices.  

Activity 1

Answer these questions about the text true or false. 

1. Stonehenge is one of many 'henges' that can be found around Britain. T/F

2. Stonehenge was built in 2500BC. T/F

3. The largest stones are called sarsens. T/F

4. Stonehenge is in Wiltshire, in the South of England. T/F

5. People have parties at Stonehenge in the summer months. T/F

Activity 2

Write about an ancient monument or famous historical site in your country using the passive voice. To make a sentence in the passive voice of present simple use the verb 'to be' with a past participle. For example:

Stonehenge is near Salisbury - present simple

Stonehenge is located near Salisbury - present simple passive voice

For more information about how to use the passive voice check out these lessons:

https://englishwithcara.blogspot.com/2019/10/how-to-use-passive-form-of-present.html 

References

https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/

The History of Britain: 2016: Igloo Books: China

Dealing with Grief in the Coronavirus Pandemic

Suitable for upper-intermediate CEFR B2+

2020 has been a year dominated by the coronavirus pandemic. 

There has been unprecedented disruption to life as we know it and I've personally struggled with maintaining a healthy routine during the 3 months national lockdown in the UK, during which I lost a family member that has been a hugely important part of my life. Grief is hard to deal with at any time, but not having the opportunity to support this person in their final moments because of restrictions imposed for the pandemic, was especially difficult to swallow. 

I am not ashamed to admit that I lost my way after that. I didn't know what to do or how to live anymore in this strange new world. I doubted if it was a world worth living in at all. But as the days of social isolation stretched on, I began to find beauty and solace in observing all the little comings and goings of the season through the kitchen window. 

As March ticked slowly away, the soft pink blossoms on the cherry tree faded and bright orange flowers opened at the bottom of the garden. In April, I noticed the colours on all the little garden birds that I might previously have missed going about my usual schedule. In May the hot weather brought out bluebells in the forest that I could enjoy on a long evening walk with the dog and I began to feel connected with nature in a way that I hadn't experienced for a very long time. 

I will never forget the sky looking clearer and bluer than ever at a time when pollution levels were the lowest they had ever been during my lifetime. I will never forget waking to a melodious cacophony of birdsong in the almost total absence of air traffic and motorway noise. I will never forget the glorious and profound silence. In times of darkness these memories will exist to remind me that there is such astounding beauty and hope in the presence of nature, if you only stop and notice. 

I'd like to dedicate this post not only to all the keyworkers that have supported efforts to fight the pandemic and keep people safe, but to everyone across the world that has lost someone close to them during the pandemic. My heart goes out to you all. 

The Joy of Being

Now is the timeless space in which everything in the universe is happening simultaneously. By becoming aware of the space of now, you suddenly feel more alive inside.

                                                                                                                       - Eckhart Tolle

Words and Phrases to Remember

impose, to deal with, difficult to swallow, grief, solace, simultaneously, astounding, to bring out, keyworkers

Look these words up in a translator and an English dictionary and record the meaning. 

Activity

See if you can answer TRUE or FALSE to these questions about the text

1. Life has changed because of the pandemic. T/F

2. Grief is a feeling of sadness felt after somebody dies. T/F

3. The writer was with the person when they died. T/F

4. The writer felt sadness when looking out of the window. T/F

5. The writer has many happy memories of social isolation during the quarantine. T/F

Write your answers in the comments!

Life in the UK: 10 Famous British Artists

Suitable for intermediate CEFR B1+

If you’re applying for citizenship in the UK, it’s important to know about art as part of British culture and heritage. Art is also a great topic of conversation for English learners because it often divides opinions! This article will provide a summary of 10 of the most famous British artists, but first a little of British art history.


It is thought that British art from the middle ages had a mostly religious theme, but unfortunately much was lost during the Protestant Reformation. During the 16^th and 17^th Centuries, most artists working throughout The British Isles were from Europe. British artists that painted both portraits and landscapes became popular from the 18^th Century onwards.


Paintings and sculptures by British and international artists are displayed in art galleries and museums all over the UK including The Tate Britain, The Tate Modern, The National Gallery, The National Museum in Cardiff and The National Gallery of Scotland in Edinburgh. The Tate Britain is home to The Turner Prize, established in 1984, to celebrate contemporary art. Each year four works are shortlisted and displayed there before a winner is announced. Previous winners have included Damien Hirst and Richard Wright.


This is by no means a complete list, but it’s a pretty good starting point and they are all in the syllabus for those studying for the Life in the UK Test. Artists are listed in chronological order.

1. Thomas Gainsborough (1727- 1788)

Thomas Gainsborough was a portrait painter who typically painted people in garden or country landscape settings.

2. David Allan (1744 – 1796)

A Scottish painter well-known for his portrait art. He specialised in painting family groups and one of his most famous works is named The Origin of Painting.

3. Joseph Turner (1775 – 1851)

 Joseph Turner famously raised the profile of landscape painting and is widely considered one of the ‘great masters’ of painting. His work was first displayed at the Royal Academy when he was just 15 years old. Throughout his career, Turner produced over 500 oil paintings and 2000 watercolours including Dutch Boats in Gale, 1801 and The Fighting Temeraire, 1839. His paintings, many of which are seascapes, are identified for his clever use of light, shade and colour. Turner was recently named the most influential British artist of all time with his portrait printed on the £20 note.

4. John Constable (1776 - 1837)

Also a landscape artist, John Constable was an English painter of the romantic tradition. He was most famous for his depictions of the Dedham Vale, an area of Suffolk close to where he was born.

5. The Pre-Raphaelites

Yes, I know this might be cheating as it is not just a single artist. The Pre-Raphaelites were a group of painters from the late 19^th Century who painted literary and religious scenes in bright colours.

6. Sir John Lavery (1856 - 1941)

 

This famous artist from Northern Ireland once painted the Royal Family.

7. Henry Moore (1898 – 1986)

Henry Moore was an English sculptor and painter best known for the abstract style of his large bronze sculptures. 

8. John Petts (1914 – 1991)

 

This very successful Welsh artist worked mainly with engravings and stained glass. 

9. Lucian Freud (1922 - 2011)

This well-known portrait artist was born in Germany but spent most of his life in Britain after his parents fled the Nazi occupation in 1933. He served in the British Merchant Navy during the Second World War, before becoming one of the 20^th Century’s most prolific portrait painters.

10. David Hockney (1937)

David Hockney contributed to the pop art movement in the 1960s and continues as an influential painter, printmaker and photographer today.


Who is your favourite artist? Comment below!

3 Easter Movies to Help You Learn English

Suitable for intermediate CEFR B1+

Watching movies is, of course, a perfect way to relax, but it's also great for practising your listening skills and learning new vocabulary. Today I will share with you 3 excellent Easter movies that will keep you entertained whilst improving your English skills.

If you're not confident listening to the rapid speech of native speakers, watch with the subtitles in English (don't have them in another language because you won't learn easily). It's a good idea to keep a notebook beside you to record new and interesting vocabulary. And don't forget, you can also pause and replay as much as you need! 

1. Monty Python's Life of Brian 

This classic British comedy from 1979 follows Brian of Nazareth, who was born in the stable next door to Jesus Christ on Christmas day and spends his life being mistaken for the messiah.

2. Chocolat

This 2001 romance drama starring Juliette Binoche, Johnny Depp and Judi Dench tells the story of a travelling chocolatier that arrives in a small village in France with her daughter at the beginning of lent. The story has many lovable characters whose lives unfold around the little chocolate shop.

3. Peter Rabbit

This is one to enjoy with the children. Originally a beloved series of books written by British author Beatrix Potter in 1902, the story and speech in this modern movie adaptation are easy to follow. 
 

What's your favourite movie to watch at this time of year?  Please comment below!

7 Easter Traditions in the UK

Suitable for pre-intermediate CEFR B1+


#Easter is a Christian religious holiday celebrated around the world that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the cross and his subsequent resurrection. Nowadays, Easter is also celebrated as a springtime cultural tradition representing the coming of new life for many atheists and people of other religious traditions living in countries with Christian heritage. The UK has a very strong Christian tradition, though Christianity is now declining as more people identify as non-religious. Here are seven Easter traditions that are common in the UK. 

1. Hot Cross Buns

These delicious sweet fruit buns are marked with the sign of the cross that represents the crucifixion of Christ. Traditionally eaten on Good Friday, the day of Jesus’ death, they are best served toasted with a little butter. Today you can find many gourmet hot cross buns available in supermarkets with different flavours, such as chocolate, apple, cinnamon and orange, though personally I think the original fruit bun is both cheaper and tastier! 

2. Decorate an Easter Tree

The tree, with long roots and branches, represents growth and the cycle of life, whereas the delicate painted eggs symbolise rebirth and the coming of new life. Many people in the UK decorate an Easter tree for their living room or dining room during the holy week and egg painting and decorating is a popular craft activity for children. 

3. Easter Eggs

Eggs have symbolised the resurrection of Christ throughout history, though the eating of eggs was originally forbidden during the holy week. Nowadays, the giving of chocolate eggs is probably the most popular and well-known Easter tradition worldwide. The first chocolate eggs appeared in France and Germany in the 19^th Century and the method has been perfected by chocolatiers across the world ever since. 

4. Morris dancing

This traditional English folkdance dating back to the 15^th Century is based on rhythmic stepping by groups of dancers usually dressed in white. Dancers often wear bells on their shins and clap sticks together or wave handkerchiefs in time with accordion music. Dancers may also wear ribbons and hats with colours to represent their county or region. Morris dancing performances are common during Easter weekend and May day to celebrate the coming of spring.

5. Roast lamb 

Sheep farming is common in parts of the UK including Wales, Scotland and North West England. Roast lamb is traditionally served on Easter Sunday in many homes as it is close to the lambing season. Roast lamb is usually served with roast or new potatoes and spring vegetables such as broccoli and carrots. 

6. The Easter Bunny

The rabbit, famous for giving birth to many babies called kittens, has long been a folkloric symbol of new life at Easter. It is thought that the Easter bunny first appeared in the 19^th Century, bringing baskets of coloured eggs and sweets to children or hiding them to be found on Easter Sunday. 

7. Easter bonnets

This tradition comes from a time when it was common for people to wear their finest new clothes to church at Easter, which often included a hat for women to cover their hair. Nowadays Easter bonnets are made in all sorts of strange and colourful designs as part of Easter or springtime festivals and parades.




Are there any strange or interesting Easter traditions from your country? Please share in the comments! 


#HappyEaster