Thoughts on Toilet Humor?

[OneBadMother]

I myself find it repellent, but I'm wondering whether it's an N thing, a gender thing, or a plain old unrelated thing. Sex jokes aren't quite as repellent, but still tolerable only in small doses, and usually not very clever. So, what are the thoughts here on toilet humor? :P

[PortInStorm]

Yep, I usually find it a cheap way out. A play on words with sexual innuendo is one thing (and like you say, not too often, or it's a sign of 'narrow' interest), but constant, obvious haranging on common/gutter humour a real turnoff. I wouldn't touch one with a ten-foot pole.

[quentin]

I don't like idiot humor. An obsession with bodily functions is for 8 year olds.

On edit: Hypocrite that I am, I couldn't resist making a cheap toilet humor crack in another thread just one minute ago.

[James Revell]

While I don't find toilet humor (or slapstick) to be funny on it's own, it can be leveraged well. I often find South Park hilarious, which leverages a fair amount of these, but mainly due to the use of multiple levels of sarcasm/parody to throw accepted things back in peoples faces.

I'm met some people who just find it offensive or don't get it, without understanding that it's often meant to shock them out of some of their own behavior.

[notoppings]

I don't feel strongly against it or for it. Some groups do it well, Monty Python for instance.

[azelismia]

I don't feel strongly against it or for it. Some groups do it well, Monty Python for instance.


I thought I was against it until I figured out that I really do like south park. Like someone else mentioned though south park isn't about the toilet humour it's about the social parody so it can be taken one way when really it's another imho. Monty python doesn't really use toilet humour that much though that I recall? I am not a fan of your typical Teen movie though. there has to be SOME aspect of subtlety.

[ShaiGar]

Teenagers wouldn't understand subtlety.

That said, I like toilet humour for the first few jokes then I cannot stand it. However since I've been saying that style of joke since I was 6... Those are the jokes I use when forced to tell a joke. I suck at joke telling.

[Dystopia]

I don't like humour, because doesn't reflect the harsh realities of life. Life is serious, harsh and difficult. Using cheap jokes as an escapism from this reality is just lying to oneself.

I do sarcasm pretty well though.

[sriv]

I don't like humour, because doesn't reflect the harsh realities of life. Life is serious, harsh and difficult. Using cheap jokes as an escapism from this reality is just lying to oneself.

I do sarcasm pretty well though.

You just opened my eyes to why I am so serious most of the time. Thanks! I never lie to myself so I am reluctant to use escapism as a defense mechanism.

[DrEast]

I gotta say, toilet humor may not seem that great, but when it comes to humor it's number two. Puns alone can whizz right by toilet humor, but you can't just dump the classic Toilet. There's really too much to loos if you do. I mean, sure, you might think it a passing fad, but just because it makes you flush is no reason to a-void one of the all time greats. Urine for a hard time if you do.

Stretching for toilet humor may wipe you out, but if you're not too anal retentive you'll be glad you made the effort. You may think I'm pushing it, but with regular work, you'll find that the material just flows perfectly. The slightest exertion will bowl your audience over.

So don't force it. Just have faith that it will all come out all right in the end.

[Uberfuhrer]

I think laughing at bodily function sounds is for little kids and I pity adults who find them funny.

I am in no way against toilet, sexual, sexist, or racist humor, per say, but I prefer it to be laced with some sort of clever wit and wordplay.

Come to think of it, I don't know of any kind of humor that hasn't wit, although I must say that I do enjoy The Three Stooges and those John Hughes movies where bumbling criminals get booby traps set upon them.

And speaking of toilets, I once had this idea for a children's book called Tommy the Talking Toilet.





Uberfuhrer added to this post, 8 minutes and 59 seconds later...

I myself find it repellent, but I'm wondering whether it's an N thing, a gender thing, or a plain old unrelated thing.

I think it's more of an elitist snob thing.

[Dystopia]

Monty Python is one of the few things I actually find funny. They know how to make a parody of reality, and make fun of religions and myths in a very original and intelligent way. I think most humour is just aimed at the beer-guzzling McDonalds culture, a form of social engineering to prevent people from thinking too much. I like that rare comedy that actually makes me think.

[Uberfuhrer]

I don't like humour, because doesn't reflect the harsh realities of life. Life is serious, harsh and difficult. Using cheap jokes as an escapism from this reality is just lying to oneself.

Life is an illusion, and anyone who takes it seriously cannot see the big picture -- the big picture that entails that life will end anyway and is therefore ultimately meaningless.

[Dystopia]

I agree, in that I don't believe reality is real. However, I also don't think it is a joke. If it is, it's a very sick one.