Do you find gratuitous use of profanity makes a comedian funny or less funny?

[dbradford8589]

I would say less for most comedians.

 

[larss]

Profanity as punctuation is pointless. Years ago, I heard the famous Monty Python parrot sketch as performed at the Holywood Bowl (Looked for it on YouTube, but could not find it). The use of the word "fuck" was perfect comic timing. After the usual diatribe of how the parrot was no longer in the world of the living, John Cleese left a very long pause before stating - "He's FUCKING snuffed it". That is the way to use profanity - when it is not expected. Using it constantly is pointless and detracts from the comedy.

 

[pete rose]

Equally. I've never felt swearing is anyone's "gimmick."

 

[ThatRedWing]

If you're not funny all the cussing in the world won't help.

 

[TheOrangeCat]

If you're not funny all the cussing in the world won't help.

Word.
:thumbsup:

 

[MrZiggles]

I don't see the reason for it. It's not like comedians now are fighting the system, as Lenny Bruce was. An occasional swear word is no big deal. But if it's gratuitous, I'll just think the comedian is uneducated and lacks a vocabulary.

 

[KillTheIndustry]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Robin Williams. That man can be VULGAR! But he's incredibly funny, and is capable of being so without profanity (like when he's on a television show, or a family friendly movie).

 

[~~whimsy~~]

I know Dennis Miller would sometimes ruin a perfectly funny statement by adding fuck too many times on his HBO show or just putting randomly in there. Sometimes it worked, I will admit. Usually it wasn't needed.

 

[vodkazvictim]

Bree Olson[/URL][/B], post: 5247741, member: 370964"]I think it depends on the comedian entirely...some can pull it off. Others I just want to slap. LOL

She's right [/OCSM cock sucking & ass kissing]

 

[sayvara]

I am usually more impressed with a comedian that can make people laugh without cusswords, sex jokes and fartsounds. That means he/she's got more skill.

But there's a time and place for everything... dirty jokes and cursing comedians have theirs. George Carlin was a master at this... and his Seven Dirty Words skit is/was significant criticism of the FCC.

/S

 

[Rane1071]

I think it depends on the culture, and on the personality of the comedian.

Sometimes you can tell that the comedian is deliberately swearing to try and get an effect, in which case it doesn't work.

However over here in Glasgow most folk swear at least once every few sentences, so it's natural and ties in with the sense of humour.

When I first saw this thread I immediately thought of Billy Connelly and his great scots accent, Fuck you Jimmy! classic. ... but he, Robin Williams, Richard Pryor are funny without swearing. These days to many use it for shock value or because thats all they've got.

 

[EvW29]

No, jokes make comedians as well as they have to have a wit about them where they are able to laugh at themselves and enjoy it. Some jokes comedians use are funny but some of them can be quite obnoxious and curse words make it stink even if you are funny. Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor are legends.