A famous Jewish comedian's favorite joke

[Jonathan]

There is a very successful Jewish comedian that most if not all of you would know if I told you his name. He has a favorite joke about "gentiles" that only a Jew can appreciate or find funny.

The joke goes like this:

"A gentile runs into another gentile on his way to work.. The latter gentile ran a business and the first gentile knew him.. So the first gentile asks, "How is business??"

The latter gentile responds, "It's doing pretty good!"

That is the joke.

Without cheating by searching for it, can anyone determine why this joke is hilarious, especially to Jews. Don't beat yourself up if you can't figure it out. I couldn't either. I had to look it up, but when I did, it made me laugh.

 

[alisani]

It sounds like something Seinfeld would say, but I wouldn't bet my bacon on that. As to meaning, I couldn't even begin to hazard a guess.

 

[Tall Timbers]

I'll have to wait for a punchline that'll help me to understand. Don't keep us waiting too long, Jonathan... I'd like to be able to get some sleep tonight...

 

[Jonathan]

I'll have to wait for a punchline that'll help me to understand. Don't keep us waiting too long, Jonathan... I'd like to be able to get some sleep tonight...

Ahh man, it's gunna be anti-climactic at this this point. I'll give it another sleep cycle or so but don't expect to burst out laughing. The only reason I think it is funny is because Jews have the ability to laugh at themselves. BTW, The comedian in question is Jerry Seinfeld so 100 points to Alisani. What she does with those points, I have no idea. But she has them.

 

[Everlasting Life]

0k, is it because from a Jewish perspective their business is never good enough and wouldn't ever say that about their business?

 

[Jonathan]

0k, is it because from a Jewish perspective their business is never good enough and wouldn't ever say that about their business?

Shhh!! You are ruining it!

 

[Jonathan]

OK, So Everlasting figured it out. As Jerry told it, it was a joke "only Jews can appreciate" but Everlasting got the jist of it. The way Jerry explained it was: When two gentiles are talking, and one asks about the other business, and the business is doing good, the other simply responds "Yea, it's doing pretty good." When a Jewish business owner is asked the same question, regardless of how well his business is going, he will say "Oy Vey!!! Where do I Begin!! One employee doesn't always show up on time, my accountant doesn't return my calls when he should, these new regulations are busting my you know what. And you know what's worst...." etc. etc. etc.

Again, an anti-climatic joke. Jerry does it much better.

 

[alisani]

So the desire to basically one up each other on account of their woes? Using that as a means of laughing at the issues they have faced historically as a people?

 

[Jonathan]

So the desire to basically one up each other on account of their woes?

Lol.. I hadn't thought of it that way but possibly, yes. Again, I apologize for an anti-climactic joke. Jerry does it better.

ETA: I just think it is cool that Jews are not only able, but willing to make fun of themselves. Imagine any Mel Brooks movie.

 

[alisani]

Lol.. I hadn't thought of it that way but possibly, yes. Again, I apologize for an anti-climactic joke. Jerry does it better.

ETA: I just think it is cool that Jews are not only able, but willing to make fun of themselves. Imagine any Mel Brooks movie.

No worries. Forums like this are awesome but it's easy to lose things in translation without the augmentations that face to face communication provides!

Mel was my first crush. I make no apologies. Give me a funny man ANY day!

 

[Everlasting Life]

Shhh!! You are ruining it!

I can just dot my reply if you'd like....

 

[DanLMP]

There is a very successful Jewish comedian that most if not all of you would know if I told you his name. He has a favorite joke about "gentiles" that only a Jew can appreciate or find funny.

That left a very long list of comedians to choose from.

I saw a video of Jerry explaining that "joke" to a gentile host.

 

[Jonathan]

That left a very long list of comedians to choose from.

I saw a video of Jerry explaining that "joke" to a gentile host.

Fan of Norm by any chance?

 

[DanLMP]

Fan of Norm by any chance?

I'm not sure who is the "Norm" you're referencing Jonathan. To me "Norm" is from Cheers.

New thought. You know, vague memory, maybe he was explaining it to Norm MacDonald.

 

[Jonathan]

I'm not sure who is the "Norm" you're referencing Jonathan. To me "Norm" is from Cheers.

New thought. You know, vague memory, maybe he was explaining it to Norm MacDonald.

Your vague memory serves you well.

 

[Ghoti Ichthus]

Reminds me of the question, "Why do so many Jews play the violin?" "Because it's hard to run carrying a piano" Sums up the ever-present threat of persecution/pogroms

 

[alisani]

Your vague memory serves you well.

It's a dog eat dog world out there and I'm wearing Milkbone underwear.

 

[JoyJoyJoy]

I use to watch The Nanny. Fran Dresher is Jewish (and so beautiful). I always enjoyed her humor and jokes, especially with her Mama.

Loved Seinfeld.