A Short Survey on Humorous English Subtitles

Example 1: Which version is funnier?

Context: A man is attending a wedding and wants to present himself as confident and stylish. However, he complains that his wife has ruined his image and made him look silly instead. The humor comes from the contrast between how he wanted to appear and how he actually appears.

Version A:

I should have been very handsome today.

But my wife makes me act like a fool.

Version B:

Today, I should have been very cool.

But my wife makes me act like a fool.

. Example 2: Which version is funnier?

Context: A man is recalling his school days. He says that a girl was widely recognized as the prettiest girl in school, while he jokes that he was equally well known, but for being ridiculous rather than admirable. The humor comes from the contrast between "school beauty" and "school joke."

Version A:

Everyone knew her at school.

She was the most beautiful girl.

But I was more famous than her.

I was the school joker!

Version B:

She was a looker.

I was the school joker.

Example 3: Which version is easier to understand?

Context: A woman is explaining her name in a playful and emotional way. She says her father's name was "Ma Dong," but he was gone when she was born.

Version A:

My dad's name is Ma Dong.

He left when I was born.

That's why my name is Ma Dongmei.

Version B:

My dad's name is Ma Dong.

He left when I was born.

That's why my another name is Ma Dong Messing.

Example 4: Which version is funnier?

Context: At a school reunion, one character mocks another man's flashy clothes and exaggerated appearance. The speaker is making fun of him for dressing up too much in front of old classmates who already know what kind of person he really is. The humor is sarcastic and teasing.

Version A:

Attending the banquet, dressed in feathers.

Reuniting with classmates, looking like a chicken.

Version B:

Attending the banquet, dressed in feathers, like a peacock.

Reuniting with classmates, just a poser, like a cock.

Example 5: Which version is funnier?

Context: At a wedding reunion, a teacher talks to a former student who once gave him a very cheap gift. The teacher pretends to be generous and polite, but he is actually being sarcastic and showing that he still remembers and looks down on the gift. The humor comes from irony.

Version A:

I don't remember that.

I've forgiven you.

Version B:

I don't remember this very "expensive" gift.