Abstract
This chapter delves into the role of humor within the context of the U.K. political landscape, exploring how it is influenced by cultural factors. The past two decades have witnessed significant upheaval in British national policy and politics, marked by events such as the Iraq invasion, the 7/7 London bombings, and Brexit. Throughout these historical moments, the British people have often responded with a unique blend of excitement and humor. Known for its distinctiveness, British humor is characterized by a penchant for biting and self-deprecating forms of humor, particularly satire. British phlegm, a somewhat dismissive and frequently ironic comedic understatement, showcases the ability of the humorist to maintain a composed demeanor in challenging situations. Examining these elements through the lens of the individualistic cultural orientation of the British people, this chapter explores various instances of humorous political speeches and electoral campaigns that have emerged in response to historical events. By doing so, it provides valuable insights into British humor and presents a structured framework that can be applied by advertisers, political parties, and academics alike.
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Margariti, K., Hatzithomas, L., Boutsouki, C. (2024). British Phlegm and Individualism in Humorous Political Advertising. In: Feldman, O. (eds) Political Humor Worldwide. The Language of Politics. Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-99-8490-9_4
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