Scientists devise 'perfect joke' formula

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Scientists have devised a mathematical equation for the perfect joke.

The calculation c=(m+n0)/p considers the length of time it takes to build up the joke, the number of puns and how many times a character falls over.

The funniness of a joke – c – is worked out by adding the comic moment – m - to the “pratfalls”, or the number of times someone falls over – n0.

A comic moment is calculated by multiplying the funniness of the punchline and the length of the joke’s build up.

The “pratfalls”, or number of times someone falls over, is worked out to the power of 0 – the ouch factor which is the social pain or embarrassment of falling over as well as the physical pain.

This total is divided by the number of puns – p – to establish the final funniness of the joke.

Puns are seen as a negative force on a joke because they intend to encourage groans of derision rather than laughter.

The equation, or Joke Optimism Formula, was worked out by neuroscientist Dr Helen Pilcher and comedian Timandra Harkness from the Comedy Research Project in collaboration with the Science Museum’s Dana Centre.

Referring to the “pratfalls”, Dr Pilcher – who met Ms Harkness on the stand-up comedy circuit in London – said: “Falling over is always funny.”

Lisa Jamieson, from the Dana Centre, continued: “Although the equation does appear extremely complex, it helps explain, mathematically, why most comedians build up their punchlines and demonstrates that jokes are often extremely formulaic.”

According to the equation, if a joke is long in the style of a shaggy dog story, the punchline does not have to be as funny as a shorter wisecrack.

Ms Harkness said: “It is common knowledge that the longer the build-up, the less funny the punchline needs to be.

“And vice versa, the funnier the punchline, the shorter the build-up needed to make a joke work. Logically this means the funniest jokes of all will be those with lengthy build-ups and hilarious punchlines and that is what the formula shows.”

I'm being serious.


Aaahhh. 1300 posts.

UnrealQueen

heh?

Kazu

The calculation c=(m+n0)/p

that line put me off didnt read the rest

Pugsley

Its ok Kazu, you arent missing anything funny :ninja: