Maltese Humour – But Seriously

CONTENTS

Introduction

Defining humour

Part One

THE WAY WE LAUGHED

Chapter 1

Some Historical Considerations

Carpe diem

Entertainment during the time of the Order of St John

Knights out – French in

French out – Brits in

The early 20^th century

WW II and all that

Chapter 2

Folkloric Entertainment

Amusement with a smile

Ġaħan, the village idiot

Riddles or ħaġa moħġaġa

Epigrams or nonsensical rhymes

Humour in words of wisdom

Chapter 3

Carnival

Il-Qarċilla - A recital of a crazy dowry list

Carnival in the 19^th century

Carnival in the 20^th century

Carnival in more recent times

Carnival in Nadur - A foreigner’s perspective

Chapter 4

Humour In Writing

Saying it in satire

The super naïve stories of Dun Xand Cortis

Temi Zammit – Wisdom of the simple folk

Humour and satire in the 20^th century

Juan Mamo’s humorous writing - in defence of the ignorant

Fra Mudest – a character for children and adults

L-istejjer tar-Ronnie

Chapter 5

The Theatre, The Talkies and Musical Humour

Comic theatre

The farsa

The kummiedja

The Talkies

Melodious humour - Għana spirtu pront

The makkjetti

Chapter 6

Comic Personalities – Real And Fictitious

The funny guy in the street - The case of Il-Pajk

Charles Clews

Johnny Navarro

Uncouth characters let loose

Johnny l-Kajboj

Frankie Quattromani

Grezzju Carabott – The typical civil servant

Ġorġ tal-Mużew

Chapter7

Humour In The House

Rediffusion – A powerful fantasy box

Wenzu u Rożi

Italian and Maltese tele-entertainment

Aħn'Aħna Jew M'Aħniex?

The Internet

Part Two

THE WAY WE LAUGH

Chapter 1

Qualities Of Present Day Maltese Humour

Do Maltese people laugh?

Do not insult me – I am Maltese

Banter and ironic humour

Sarcasm versus snide remarks

No dry humour

Maltese play on words

Taboo and Maltese Catholics

No sex please - we are Maltese

Sexist jokes – are they still acceptable?

Politics and humour

The case of Żaren tal-Ajkla

Contemporary humour on stage

Coffins and lemons – spiteful humorous symbols

Humour and bad weather

Always look on the bright side of life

Chapter 2

Concluding Words By The Professionals

Interview with Hector Bruno

Interview with Steve Hili

Interview with Joe Demicoli

Interview with Tony Cassar Darien

Chapter 3

Surveys And More Humour

Maltese point of view on humour

Foreigners' point of view on Maltese humour

Television viewership and comedy

Chapter 4

Some typical Maltese jokes to finish with

Doctor JokesDry humour

Religious (Actually not so religious) Jokes

The humorous side of tourism business

Children’s jokes

Politically tainted jokes

A glossary of humorous terms as used in the book

Acknowledgement

Bibliography

Index