30 Dad Jokes That Are So Stupid, They Become Funny

Interestingly, some researchers believe they've found out why we're amused when we're let down by dumb jokes. Dr. Nancy Bell and a team of her colleagues told the following silly joke to almost 200 people: "What did the big chimney say to the little chimney? Nothing. Chimneys can't talk."

The most common reaction to this unbelievably hilarious joke was laughter, a response given by 37 percent of the people. The second-most popular response was something mildly negative like saying, "That's not very funny."

Next came bland, non-committal remarks like 'Okay'. Just a few people were rude about the joke or made sarcastic comments about it. Only 6 percent rolled their eyes or shook their heads, and a tiny 0.5 percent groaned.

Professor Richard Wiseman, a psychologist from Hertfordshire University, added they are probably laughing at some of the worst jokes because they're caught by surprise. The main element of comedy.

Dr. Bell also noted that strangers were far more likely to be polite when told a bad joke than friends or loved ones. "We found that social relationship was highly significant, suggesting that responses to failed humor among intimates will be most direct and negative, while strangers and acquaintances will tend to use more neutral responses."