Comedy survey

[flastron]

For everyone in general, but especially rjwhiteIn any given case*, if you have a general joke or insult that can be made about anyone simply by inserting their name in the appropriate position, it is funniest to apply that joke to yourself

Comments

[sui_generis]

I can't be sure without having an example in mind, but it seems to me that the joke or insult would have to be particularly general for that to be the case. Otherwise it could apply to someone else in a much funnier way than to yourself.

One example that I can think of where your theory holds true is in the case of "playing the dozens". Changing "Your momma is SO FAT..." to "My momma is SO FAT..." makes the joke even funnier in a way (even though it misses the point of the game).

[flastron]

Example: Unlike (so-and-so's) gene pool, I try to not make the same joke twice.

[chassy]

How about "I'm SO FAT, NASA sent out a space probe and found evidence of water in my..."

[sui_generis]

HA! good point, changes the whole joke.

in a way it's almost funnier though, if you can deliver the punchline haplessly.