Why British humour is exactly what you need on a date

By Fraser McAlpine

Laughter is a great ice-breaker, especially in an emotionally-charged situation like a date, and humour is one of the most commonly used arrows in the British quiver of social interaction.

So adding a touch of levity can only be a good thing. But there's a fine line between engagingly funny and being laughed at for the wrong reasons, so here is a guide to British humour that should help keep the conversation flowing:

1. RESTRAIN YOURSELF

As far as the British are concerned, sense of humour is like a good martini: the dryer, the better. That means it's not necessary to guffaw, David Brent-style, if you have made a joke. It's not even desirable. It's not necessary even to smile. In fact, if you can manage to arrange your face in such a way that it's hard to spot that you're even joking at all — no raised eyebrows, no cute eye rolling, and definitely no winking — you're automatically more interesting.

2. WITHERING HEIGHTS

There's also a well-established British love of sarcasm, whether it's the fine traditions of John Cleese's withering scorn or the fathomless cynicism of Hugh Laurie's Gregory House. It is also a fine weapon for your own humour arsenal – showing your date that you're confident enough to say something you don't mean, just for comic effect. Mutually understood sarcasm is a form of honesty and that affection can take the form of 'pretend abuse'. Subtlety is key, however.

3. MOCK THYSELF

Another key point: Self-deprecation is a cornerstone of British humour, a subset of decorum and not making a fuss. If you expect your date to be able to take a joke, you had better be willing to make them at your own expense too. And don't be afraid to be yourself. There are few things Brits enjoy more than individuals with genuine quirks and foibles.

4. LOAD A PUN

The British also love nothing more than a good pun, and examples of these are all around, particularly in the high street. Benedict Cumberbatch and John Oliver have not only mastered it, but are now also giving classes in the subject.

5. GIVE HER ONE... AS IT WERE

That leaves the potentially explosive topic of innuendo. The British have a long history of talking about sex without talking about sex (in pantomimes, Carry On comedies and saucy seaside postcards from your Nan). A few innocent double entendres, especially delivered with a dry smirk, go down (yes, yes) very well indeed.

And if it all goes horribly wrong, be quick to apologise. That's the British way.