Question of the Week

Summary

The perfectly timed facial expression took the lead, with many saying a well-placed look lands instantly and can rescue even a weak joke, and a few noting that a face needs no translation at all, with Mr Bean cited as proof. Nearly as many refused to choose, arguing the two amplify each other and that the joke plus the look together is comedy at its best. A solid group stood firmly behind the clever joke, some adding that wit is simply harder to conjure and more satisfying when everyone gets it without explanation. A smaller handful said it all depends on the moment, the company and the setting.

• Both together are unbeatable25

  31%

  Both together are unbeatable25

  31%

• Perfectly timed facial expression23

  28%

  Perfectly timed facial expression23

  28%

• Clever joke18

  22%

  Clever joke18

  22%

• It depends on the context or the audience5

  6%

  It depends on the context or the audience5

  6%

• Other5

  6%

  Other5

  6%

• Facial expression wins because it crosses language barriers3

  4%

  Facial expression wins because it crosses language barriers3

  4%

• Clever joke is harder to pull off2

  2%

  Clever joke is harder to pull off2

  2%