By: jdeeringdavis
‘Roast’ is an American term used to describe a heartwarming ritual where someone is singled out and publically subjected to a stream of funny insults from their friends and peers at some event – usually some kind of ceremonial dinner. We don’t use the term ‘roast’ in the same way in the UK, but the ritual is not unfamiliar. A British best man’s speech would be a prime example. And on both sides of the Atlantic it’s understood that the ritualized insults and embarrassing revelations can actually demonstrate fondness, affiliation and somewhat contrarily, respect.
In both the UK and US, the person being ‘roasted’ is required to take the jokes and insults with good humor. In fact taking the jokes in good part is actually an opportunity for them to demonstrate what a good natured soul they are, and thereby gain more esteem. However, there are some transatlantic differences. US roasts include more praise and tributes. And in the UK, where ambiguity is rife, the jokes are allowed to be more barbed and vicious.
When I heard Ricky Gervais hosting the Golden Globe awards last year, I thought “Uh oh, this ‘roast’ is pitched this wrongly for this audience.” What is acceptable in London can easily go over a line in LA and his reviews weren’t good. But he was given another go at it this year so I guess there’s no such thing as bad publicity. I think he’d been well coached in the interim and he was more on target this year. His most vicious jibes were reserved for British actors, who he could be sure would play by his rules and show no offence.
But I have a question about this year’s award ceremony. To me it looked like the recipients of Ricky’s jibes seemed to have prepared responses which I found odd in various ways. Did you think the same? I’m wondering what other folks made of this.
Perhaps it’s because I’m a Yank, but I don’t see what’s odd. Clearly the response in the clip above was prepared. The delivery isn’t very good for standup comedy, to be sure.
Most remarks at such ceremonies are scripted, aren’t they? But the decision to reserve more vicious putdowns for Brits was probably a wise one.
I liked the next video that popped up – sorry for getting sidetracked – Madonna’s acceptance speech. She says, “William Orbit who I admire” and then corrects herself “William Orbist WHOM I admire”. What do you make of that? A case of hypercorrection for the American audience? I noticed that Americans are less tolerant of “who” being used where “whom” should be according to prescriptive grammar rules.
LEO
Hi John. Please forgive my tardy response and unfortunately the clip has now disappeared.
I think what was odd for me was that she responded so vehemently. I think in the UK a slight eyebrow rise would have been appropriate, if that.
And hi Leo. The who whom thing is curious. Yes, I’ve found Americans are more sensitive to it as well. When I arrived in the US it had become a sort of distant memory from my youth and I’d become comfortable using ‘who’ in all contexts. Now when I do that, I’m conscious that it’s not going to sound right to my audience.
The more I live, the more I think that humor is the saving sense….