Tuesday, January 27, 2009

An Important New Theory of Comedy Numbers

I felt a pang the moment I published that last post because, of course, January 18th isn't funny. It should have been 17th or, preferably, 19th. I had a conversation recently with a prominent comedian and he went for 37 as his funny number. I've always favoured 19, but I admit the joke is beginning to wear a little thin. What is striking about these numbers is they are all odd. So the weak version of my new Theory of Comedy Numbers is that even numbers are not funny. Okay, 6 can raise a mild titter, but that's it. The strong version is that only prime numbers are truly funny. Look at 21, total downer, but both 23 and 19 are real thigh-slappers. Non-divisibility is the soul of wit. Of course, this requires more work and possibly a few hours on a Cray supercomputer. I may have to leave that to others.
Posted by Bryan Appleyard at 9:18 am

9 comments:

  1. BritJanuary 27, 2009 9:38 am

    Ach, you're spot on on the primes, Bryan. Whenever I'm down and in need of a chuckle I just have a scroll through this list of the first 1000 of the beauties.

    683 and 691 are obviously good for a crude belly-laugh, while 1051 will be more your thing if you like edgy.

    But, if you forced me to choose one - a desert island prime, if you like - then my absolute favourite has to be 3881, an effortless side-splitter.

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  2. maltyJanuary 27, 2009 9:49 am

    No 10 is funny, very, very funny, or not in the least funny.
    Ditto No 11. Brits list isn't funny, my pin number's in there.
    I thought it was just the Chinese who overdosed on numbers.

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  3. MarkJanuary 27, 2009 10:09 am

    Numbers can be surprisingly touchy. Evelyn Waugh was assassinated by a No 2. Just be careful which numbers you laugh at. They have ways of getting their own back.

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  4. Ian russellJanuary 27, 2009 10:13 am

    I think you're on to something. Or on something.

    ReplyDelete
  5. BritJanuary 27, 2009 12:06 pm

    Consider, Ian:

    Upon hearing his remark, Lady Manningham-Buller slapped Lord Archer across the face. (Mildly amusing)

    Upon hearing his remark, Lady Manningham-Buller slapped Lord Archer across the face 3,881 times. (Hilarious!)

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 3:22 pm

    I have a similar issue with 'funny' football clubs. I have always found, for instance, Norwich City to be, well, just 'funny'. In recent years, however, competition for the most funny club has rarely produced a team to rival Manchester City. As recent events are showing, even tons of Arab dosh cannot remove the essential comdey value of the club. Newcastle United may have given City a run for their money this season but it's always refreshing to see City grasp effortlessly for the King of Comedy Football crown. Good on them!

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  7. AnonymousJanuary 27, 2009 6:13 pm

    The computer says.............No.

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  8. simbnJanuary 27, 2009 7:19 pm

    I looked at the theories in relation to my synaesthesia... absolute chaos. Prime number theory is interesting, could be the isolated nature of the numbers. Most of them are such small birthdays as well, the ones people will most easily forget.

    ReplyDelete
  9. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2009 2:29 am

    42?

    ReplyDelete

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