DBAHO Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 THE mathematical equation for the perfect joke has been revealed by scientists. Timandra Harkness and Helen Pilcher's formula is c=(m+nO)/p. The scientific pair are also stand-up comedians who make up the Comedy Research Project, which they run with the Science Museum in London. In the formula, c is the funniness of the joke; m is the comic moment which is arrived at by multiplying the punchline's funniness rating by the length of the joke's build-up. nO is the number of times the subject undergoes a pratfall, multiplied by the ouch factor - the social and physical pain of the indignity involved. The total is divided by the number of puns, p. The equation shows that if a joke consists of a long shaggy dog story, it doesn't require such a funny punchline as a shorter wisecrack. Puns weaken a joke because they tend to encourage groans rather than laughter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texsox Posted June 15, 2004 Share Posted June 15, 2004 I hope they received a big government contract for research in that area. They are missing the "S" factor. Everybody, but guys especially, will laugh at a bad joke if it will lead to sex with someone they think is sexy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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