Humor is a very cultural thing. Unless practiced with utmost caution, it often might just end up with a bunch of blank stares in one's direction. By virtue of being in a Global Workplace for the last few years, I have got the privilege of learning this the hard way. With my experience of being with cross-cultural colleagues and friends across the world, I have realized that Humor, like beauty, is a subjective concept and lies in the eyes (or mind) of the beholder. What has one person ROFL might have another scratching their head trying to figure out what was so hilarious about the whole thing! But then, I firmly believe in the concept of "Unity in Diversity" even in matters of Humor. Come On now, there must be some common global templates of humor that appeal to all? Irrespective of where to stay and what language you speak? Say for example, a gig on Men V/s Women (or Husband V/s Wife, if you are a frustrated married being) has its own Global Appeal - it appeals me as well, the MEN part of the humor, or the lack of it. What I am trying to explain here is...I find men (or husbands) funny no matter which part of the world they belong to. I love the way how they provide entertainment unlimited (even though, in a sane frame of mind I find them quite frustrating). But like 99.99% of women folks across the world, I am insane most of the time. See! there is a global appeal.
For example, I can see humor in everything (well almost) that a man says and what actually they mean by them. And its across section and culture. Little specifics may differ, but overall the translation remains the same.
Translating the Words of Men
"I'M GOING FISHING"
Meaning: "I'm going to get myself drunk in a dangerously stupid and irritable way, and stand by a stream with a stick in my hand, while the fish swim by me completely safely.
Now, the cultural specifics may differ, ie, the hobbies may vary...but the meaning remains just the same!
"IT'S A GUY THING"
Meaning: There is no rational thought pattern associated with it, and don't even bother to make anything logical out of it. It's absolute crap!
"CAN I HELP YOU WITH DINNER"
Meaning: Why the hell isn't the dinner already on the table!!!
"SURE HONEY", "YES DARLING", "I LOVE YOU" ETC.
Meaning: Absolutely nothing. These are conditioned responses, when they have nothing better or suitable to say. You would be the biggest fool on the earth to take them on their face values at such times.
"IT WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO EXPLAIN"
Meaning: I have no idea how it works!
"I WAS LISTENING TO YOU. ITS JUST THAT I HAVE OTHER PRESSING THINGS ON MY MIND"
Meaning: I was wondering if that chick on the other table is wearing a push-up bra!
"TAKE A BREAK HONEY. YOU'RE WORKING TOO HARD"
Meaning: I can't hear the sound of the TV (game or news) over the sound of your vacuum cleaner and/or mixer
"THAT'S INTERESTING DEAR"
Meaning: Are you still talking???
"YOU KNOW HOW BAD MY MEMORY IS"
Meaning: I remember every little details of Euro CUp history and/or every statistics of my favorite player; I remember every registration number of all the cars I have owned till date, I remember all the dirty jokes my stupid friends send me, but I forgot your birthday as that's easy to forget!
"I LOVE YOU SO MUCH...SEE! I GOT YOU THESE ROSES"
Meaning: The girl selling them was a real babe!
"OH, DON'T FUSS. I JUST CUT MYSELF, IT'S NOT BIG DEAL"
Meaning: I have really severed a limb, but my male ego permits to admit so. I shall bleed to death before I admit that I am hurt.
"HEY, I HAVE GOT MY REASONS FOR DOING EXACTLY WHAT I AM DOING"
Meaning: And I sure hope to cook up some pretty good reason soon.
"I CAN'T FIND IT"
Meaning: Since it didn't fall into my outstretched hands, I am completely clueless. And for GOd's sake, don't ask me to look for things I have no interest in! So what if it is an important thing thats missing!
"WHAT DID I DO THIS TIME?"
Meaning: What did you catch me at? Oh which particular mischief did i guffawed? Hope you didn't catch me exchanging numbers with the hot chick!
" I HEARD YOU"
Meaning: I haven't the faintest idea what you just said, and am hoping desperately that I can fake it well so that you dont screw up my next 3 days by yelling at me.
"YOU KNOW I COULD NEVER LOVE ANYONE ELSE"
Meaning: I am accustomed to the way you yell at me and absoultely realize it could be worse.
"YOU LOOK TERRIFIC"
Meaning: Please dont torture me anymore by trying one more outfit, I dont care how you look, I am starving now...can we please leave?
"I'M NOT LOST. I KNOW EXACTLY WHERE WE ARE"
Meaning: No one will ever see us alive again.
Now, my dear friends...irrespective of which part of the world you reside, don't you find these funny? Humor, though, lies in the eyes (and mind) of the beholder, some aspects of our life are universally humorous!
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