# Jimmy Carr - The King of Comebacks
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868
**Category:** Cafe Society
**Created:** [December 9, 2013, 2:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868 "2013-12-09T02:25:03Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 2
### Author:  [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 6:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/21 "2013-12-10T06:22:48Z")
> [@zombywoof](#):
>
> He also (co-) wrote a book about it.
>
> [The Naked Jape: Uncovering the Hidden World of Jokes: Amazon.co.uk: Carr, Jimmy, Greeves, Lucy: 9780718148713: Books](http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Naked-Jape-Uncovering-Hidden/dp/0718148711)
I really wish this was available as an e-book.
---
### Author:  [@Eyebrows\_0f\_Doom](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eyebrows_0f_Doom)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 7:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/22 "2013-12-10T07:39:51Z")
> [@MostlyClueless](#):
>
> And his amazing comeback is a “yo momma is so fat” joke? Original.
In the link in the OP? That’s not what he said…
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### Author:  [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 9:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/23 "2013-12-10T09:41:31Z")
> [@MostlyClueless](#):
>
> He’s a sexist, racist, misogynistic (etc etc etc) asshole and he always tries to duck criticism with the same tired argument: “It’s just a joke”.
>
> It’s just so discouraging. He’s smart, he knows what he’s doing, and he still goes for the cheap and easy jokes.
There is a world of difference between making a joke with sexist, racist, misogynistic content and actually \*being \*any of those things. Comedians can be every bit as much a character on stage as any other actor.
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### Author:  [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 10:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/24 "2013-12-10T10:38:24Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#):
>
> There is a world of difference between making a joke with sexist, racist, misogynistic content and actually \*being \*any of those things. Comedians can be every bit as much a character on stage as any other actor.
In practical terms, what’s the difference between disliking a comedian and disliking the character he plays?
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### Author:  [@crypto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crypto)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 10:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/25 "2013-12-10T10:41:55Z")
Am I the only one who cannot see the link in the OP? It says “this video is private” when i select it.
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### Author:  [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/26 "2013-12-10T14:35:19Z")
When I try to watch the video, I get a message, “‘Jimmy Carr Live Laughing a…’ This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Chambers Management.”
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### Author:  [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 2:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/27 "2013-12-10T14:39:46Z")
Looks like copyright issue… it was kinda new upload so I guess it was just a matter of time before it’s removed.
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### Author:  [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 4:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/28 "2013-12-10T16:55:58Z")
> [@Alessan](#):
>
> In practical terms, what’s the difference between disliking a comedian and disliking the character he plays?
You’ve answered your own question haven’t you? The person onstage is not necessarily the person offstage.
The comedic character is saying things that they don’t necessarily believe, perhaps to shock, provoke or make uncomfortable. Perhaps it is ironic.
Offstage the comedian in question might be very different.
Can you really not see a difference between what someone says and what they actually believe or what they are really like?
The reverse is true of course, someone can be the most genial and gentle of clowns and yet offstage be an utter shit.
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### Author:  [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 5:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/29 "2013-12-10T17:35:18Z")
I love him, he’s hilarious. Carr will take as good as he gets. I have some of his Albums and when the audience gives it back to him he never takes it personally, justlaughs and goes along wit it.
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### Author:  [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/30 "2013-12-10T17:40:55Z")
> [@Novelty\_Bobble](#):
>
> You’ve answered your own question haven’t you? The person onstage is not necessarily the person offstage.
>
> The comedic character is saying things that they don’t necessarily believe, perhaps to shock, provoke or make uncomfortable. Perhaps it is ironic.
>
> Offstage the comedian in question might be very different.
>
> Can you really not see a difference between what someone says and what they actually believe or what they are really like?
> The reverse is true of course, someone can be the most genial and gentle of clowns and yet offstage be an utter shit.
But since I don’t know the person offstage, his actual personality is irrelevant.
He’s a moving image on TV - his real nature does not exist as far as I’m concerned. If I don’t like watching him, then I don’t care if that’s the real him or if it’s a character, because the end result is the same. All I care is whether I like what I’m looking at.
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### Author:  [@JSexton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JSexton)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/31 "2013-12-10T20:46:26Z")
> [@Alessan](#):
>
> But since I don’t know the person offstage, his actual personality is irrelevant.
>
> He’s a moving image on TV - his real nature does not exist as far as I’m concerned. If I don’t like watching him, then I don’t care if that’s the real him or if it’s a character, because the end result is the same. All I care is whether I like what I’m looking at.
I think a lot of what Carr does is poke fun at racists/sexists/otherists by deadpanning things that they say and demonstrating how mockable it is. Do you watch the Colbert Report? Colbert skewers right-wing talk show hosts by going over top of them in a dry, deadpan way. I guess if that kind of satire doesn’t work for you, then so be it, but it’s one of my favorite forms of comedy.
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### Author:  [@B.Serum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B.Serum)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/32 "2013-12-10T21:41:44Z")
> [@MostlyClueless](#):
>
> He’s a sexist, racist, misogynistic (etc etc etc) asshole and he always tries to duck criticism with the same tired argument: “It’s just a joke”.
Where are you getting this from?
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### Author:  [@MostlyClueless](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MostlyClueless)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 10:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/33 "2013-12-10T22:46:13Z")
> **[Interview: Jimmy Carr](https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/interview-jimmy-carr/)**
>
> With his latest DVD now on sale, and as he continues to tour the country, Mr Jimmy Carr spares us some time for a chat...
> [@](#):
>
> They know if there’s hate in your heart, and if there’s hate in your heart, it’s wrong. If it’s just a joke, it’s just words, it’s okay.
Does Jimmy mean it when he calls a random audience member\* a dumb cunt or a slag? I should hope not. Is there hate in his heart? I guess not.
Does it give the impression that doing so is a) entertaining and b) appropriate when you’re trying to be funny? To a certain percentage of the audience, I’d say yes.
And I’ve got issues with that.
\*Not a heckler. Yes, he does.
But yeah, Jimmy can be brilliant. Like right here: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UqGha0rCiM](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UqGha0rCiM)
It’s offensive as all fuck, but it doesn’t rely on tired cliches and ancient stereotypes.
---
### Author:  [@Alessan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Alessan)
#### Post date: [December 10, 2013, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/34 "2013-12-10T22:52:08Z")
> [@JSexton](#):
>
> I think a lot of what Carr does is poke fun at racists/sexists/otherists by deadpanning things that they say and demonstrating how mockable it is. Do you watch the Colbert Report? Colbert skewers right-wing talk show hosts by going over top of them in a dry, deadpan way. I guess if that kind of satire doesn’t work for you, then so be it, but it’s one of my favorite forms of comedy.
Actually, I was speaking in general about celebrity personas and our impression of them. I like Jimmy Carr. I’ve only seen him on QI, but he’s had some good lines there - although he does have the tendency to go for the easy joke from time to time.
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### Author:  [@B.Serum](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/B.Serum)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2013, 12:09am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/35 "2013-12-11T00:09:35Z")
> [@MostlyClueless](#):
>
> [Interview: Jimmy Carr | Den of Geek](http://www.denofgeek.com/tv/20250/interview-jimmy-carr)
>
> Does Jimmy mean it when he calls a random audience member\* a dumb cunt or a slag? I should hope not. Is there hate in his heart? I guess not.
>
> Does it give the impression that doing so is a) entertaining and b) appropriate when you’re trying to be funny? To a certain percentage of the audience, I’d say yes.
>
> And I’ve got issues with that.
>
> \*Not a heckler. Yes, he does.
>
> But yeah, Jimmy can be brilliant. Like right here: [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UqGha0rCiM](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UqGha0rCiM)
>
> It’s offensive as all fuck, but it doesn’t rely on tired cliches and ancient stereotypes.
Fair enough, we all like what we like and dislike what we dislike. For what its worth, _insult comedy_ is a genre that stretches back to the 30’s with Jack E Leonard and further popularized with Don Rickles, and has certainly has its detractors as long as its been around.
I’m only familiar with Carr from his Comedy Central Presents half-hour and the Distraction game show, both of which I loved. While his material can go to dark places, it can also go to really smart places — and those are the moments that really made me a fan.
_Edited to add: you should stay away from Anthony Jeselnik._
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### Author:  [@Novelty\_Bobble](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Novelty_Bobble)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2013, 9:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/36 "2013-12-11T09:43:26Z")
> [@Alessan](#):
>
> But since I don’t know the person offstage, his actual personality is irrelevant.
>
> He’s a moving image on TV - his real nature does not exist as far as I’m concerned. If I don’t like watching him, then I don’t care if that’s the real him or if it’s a character, because the end result is the same. All I care is whether I like what I’m looking at.
That’s fine, If you can make that distinction and deal with them seperately then no problem.
The problem would be if you, or I, just assumed that his on-stage persona was a reflection of the off-stage man (for better or worse).
i.e. there is a difference between saying " I hate Jimmy Carr’s comedy" and “I hate Jimmy Carr”
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### Author:  [@newcomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/newcomer)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2013, 2:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/37 "2013-12-11T14:38:09Z")
Here’s a recent interview with Jimmy Carr in which he explains offensiveness of his jokes and context - [- YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HpV7h3_Ihxs)
Overall, pretty good interview – very interesting point about people getting outraged on behalf of someone else.
He’s into short jokes, with as least number of words as possible. Example: “dwarfs shortage” 😃
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### Author:  [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2013, 3:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/38 "2013-12-11T15:33:54Z")
> [@Saltire](#):
>
> Perhaps the best thing ever on TV was when Mr. Blobby came on The Big Fat Quiz of the 90s. Between Jack Whitehall being terrified of this children’s show character to Blobby insisting Jimmy kiss his head after he fell down, it is awesome.
You missed out “Mr Blobby miming having sex with a Teletubby” which was one of the finest moments of British television ever.
I acknowledge Carr’s skill as a comedian and his willingness to take anything thrown at him but I have a limited tolerance for insult humor as well so I doubt I’d watch one of his stand-up shows. IMO he’s better in smaller doses or with other comedians (on 8 out of 10 Cats or 10 O’Clock Live) than on his own.
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### Author:  [@BrokenBriton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrokenBriton)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2013, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/39 "2013-12-11T15:43:27Z")
> [@Gyrate](#):
>
> You missed out “Mr Blobby miming having sex with a Teletubby” which was one of the finest moments of British television ever.
😃 Brilliant. I bet there wasn’t a single complaint to the BBC either.
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### Author:  [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)
#### Post date: [December 11, 2013, 4:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/jimmy-carr-the-king-of-comebacks/675868/40 "2013-12-11T16:44:01Z")
> [@BrokenBriton](#):
>
> 😃 Brilliant. I bet there wasn’t a single complaint to the BBC either.
Given that it was on Channel 4, I suspect not.
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