Aussie Humour (in this context, the word does in fact have a 'u')

Australians have a very unique sense of humour. At first, it took me a couple of weeks to figure it out. They are very sarcastic and dry with their jokes and even though it is derived from the British model of humour, it is its own beast. They can be often be confused as mean-spirited; much of their humour comes from "having a go" or "taking the piss", which is a nice way of saying that they insult people in a witty, yet friendly way. If an Aussie says something mean to you, unless it is followed by a fist, you can assume they like you. This can be quite confusing.

The most famous Australian comedian that we get in the US is Paul Hogan aka Crocodile Dundee. Watch this movie again. Dundee is never actually serious, he's just "having a go" at the world's perceptions an Australian.

It can be quite hard to describe humour. One of the few that could intelligently discuss the theories and nature of any joke was George Carlin, but sadly, he is dead. Therefore, since I don't have his insight into the heart of comedy, I find it much easier to post clips of the Aussie humour in action. Enjoy.

Rove McManus

Rove is is Australia's Conan O'Brian/David Letterman/Jay Leno, though unlike these three, he's actually funny. I first saw Rove in Melbourne this last November, right at election time. He had more hilarious insight into the politics of our country than his American counterparts. I was instantly hooked. His show has been gluing Australians to the TV on Sunday nights since 2000. His show Rove Live is almost more famous for the supporting comedians than Rove himself. Somehow, he's managed to compile together all the funniest people in Australia. Sadly, I was unable to find any examples of his topical humour that relates to anything outside of Australia...but trust me, funny guy.

Hamish and Andy

These two nutters are the poster boys of Aussie comedy. The kids love 'em. The adults love 'em. They have their own popular radio program that makes traffic jams in afternoon a blessing and have a regular segment on the show Rove Live. Much of their comedy feature them doing various things in public and seeing how people react. This concept is nothing new, but they do it better than most. Hamish and Andy can put up a pretty viable claim for being the funniest people in all of Australia.

Watch as they try to find summer jobs, without actually being employed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13TdnLGsG_4&feature=related

Watch Episode 17, Putpocketing where Hamish and Andy try to sneak money into people's pockets:
http://www.rovedaily.com.au/video.htm?channel=Hamish%20and%20Andy

Watch as they roam the streets of LA and try to start a gang:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYEhjCCSrEw&feature=related

David Hughes

David Hughes, or Hughsey as he is affectionately known, is another stand up comedian in the Rove crew. He is probably most famous for his segment on the show called "Hughsey Loses It". Basically, he goes on a witty rant, much like Lewis Black, Dennis Miller, or a funny Andy Rooney. His style of ranting is probably the best example of the "Aussie Humour" I could find.

Ranting on Food:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xq5eHCFeC2A&feature=related

Ranting on cricket and KFC:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VMSF0_mhiEQ

The Castle

This is a popular Aussie movie that is chock-a-block full of examples of Aussie humour. It the story of a man's fight to save his home from being compulsorily bought by a large corporation. I'm going to burn a copy since it is a great film and can't be found in the US, but here are some clips anyway. It might not be as funny to people who have not lived in Australia for a while, be warned.

Serenity:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=da27Z3_9E3Y&feature=related

The worst lawyer ever tries to save the house:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJuXIq7OazQ&feature=related

Fast Forward

This was an old Australian sketch comedy show from the early 90's. I haven't seen too much of it, but what I've seen was quite funny. It is most famous for launching the careers of Jane Turner and Gina Riley, stars of the award winning Kath and Kim (and not to mention everyone else in the show as well).

Spoofing Good Morning America:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v2jhpk9TvU0


Kath and Kim

This is a show started by some of the cast members from the aforementioned show. I'm not going to put up any clips from the show, because it isn't too funny out of context. It's not actually that funny in general, but it is amusing, extremely popular, and undeniably Australian humour. The main characters have a horrible fashion sense and are just horrible people. The show was remade in the states and flopped, which doesn't surprise since there is no way the show can be successful sans the "Aussiness".