Researchers have uncovered the world’s oldest recorded joke, dating back to 1900 BC, and it humorously revolves around a fart. Commissioned by the TV channel Dave, the University of Wolverhampton’s School of Humanities, Languages, and Social Sciences conducted a study in 2008, known as the Dave Historical Humor Study, to find the earliest known joke. The team, led by Dr. Paul McDonald, spent two months researching and discovered the joke on tablets from the Old Babylonian period, potentially dating as far back as 2300 BC.
The joke originates from ancient Sumer, located in what is now southern Iraq. It humorously warns new husbands about their brides, stating: “Something which has never occurred since time immemorial; a young woman did not fart in her husband’s lap.” This discovery has caused a stir on social media, with many users expressing surprise that the oldest joke is centered around toilet humor. The joke’s ancient origin shows that human humor hasn’t changed much over the millennia.
Dr. McDonald explained that while the formats of jokes have evolved over the years, ranging from question-and-answer formats to witty proverbs and riddles, they all share a common trait: a willingness to address taboos and exhibit a degree of rebellion. Modern humor, including puns and toilet jokes, can trace its roots back to these earliest recorded jokes. This finding provides a fascinating insight into the continuity and evolution of humor throughout human history.
Social media reactions to the discovery have been a mix of amusement and incredulity. Users have commented on the timeless nature of fart jokes, highlighting how certain aspects of humor remain unchanged. The study not only offers a glimpse into the humor of ancient civilizations but also underscores the universality of laughter and the enduring appeal of jokes that break social conventions.
