quote:
Originally posted by Kensco:
I swear to God Vashper, you do this on purpose just to keep us on our toes.
Not without it, of course. In Russian it's called "keep someone in good shape".
But, in addition, it is a bit different perception of humor. This anecdote, like most good Russian anecdotes, is purposed on a)independent intellectual work of the listener and b)the ability to imagine the resulting image, even if it is absurd. "What can be tactical exercises in rats"?. "How related concepts the ship and the rat?". ""Yeah, "the rats are the first to leave a sinking ship"!". Of course, the sailors will panic when, without warning, will see a picture of these rat tactical exercises. Perhaps the difficulty in the perception of this anecdote by English-speaking audience due to the fact that this proverb is not among the common. Or, you may be confused by the phrase "tactical exersize"? In Russia (as, incidentally, in Ukraine) - conscription of citizens. Almost all, one way or another, participated in some exercises and know how to use weapons.
Therefore, NATO General Breedlove instantly became a comic figure, when said of someone, "Oh, it's spetsnaz! They properly hold AK!"
Even generals have to know something about the probable enemy
.
I was surprised that the joke about the elephant escaped from the zoo (he just designed for the ability to imagine a situation), was not immediately understood. Though perhaps Americans are just more honest in their reactions.
But some jokes can be simply translated. For example, I told my wife joke about undue weight and life expectancy of those who says it to women - and she read it a week ago in the free newspaper in subway.
But more than a simple anecdote: "an earthworm sticks out from the ground, and sees near another worm:
"Hello, Vasya!"
"I am not Vasya, I am your ass!".
WE WANT MORE
