... worlds funniest joke ...

Jokes sometimes
- make us feel superior to others,
- reduce the emotional impact of anxiety-provoking situations
- surprise us because of some kind of incongruity.


"The hunters joke contained all three elements."

Computer analysis of the data also showed that jokes containing 103 words were thought to be especially funny. The winning "hunters" joke was 102 words long.

The Joke Again

Two hunters are out in the woods when one of them collapses. He doesn't seem to be breathing and his eyes are glazed. The other guy whips out his cellphone and calls the emergency services. He gasps: "My friend is dead! What can I do?" The operator says: "Calm down, I can help. First, let's make sure he's dead."

There is a silence, then a shot is heard. Back on the phone, the guy says: "OK, now what?"