Fart jokes and the Whoopee Cushion have been a source of comedy across cultures for thousands of years.
The unexpected and prolonged nature of Whoopee Cushion sounds, along with the release of tension, contributes to their humor.
Deep dives
The fascinating history of the Whoopee Cushion
The podcast episode explores the history of the Whoopee Cushion, a novelty item that has stood the test of time. The hosts discuss the origins of fart jokes, dating back thousands of years, and how they have been a part of comedy in various cultures. They trace the evolution of the Whoopee Cushion from ancient Rome to the 1920s when it became a commercial product. They highlight the impact of the Canadian rubber company's invention of a valve that allowed the cushion to work effectively. The hosts also discuss the challenges faced by novelty companies in protecting their inventions and brand names, leading to the proliferation of similar products in the market.
The enduring humor of the Whoopee Cushion
The podcast explores why the Whoopee Cushion continues to be funny to people of all ages. They cite a study by an acoustic engineer that analyzes the funniest sounds produced by Whoopee Cushions and why they elicit laughter. The hosts discuss how the unexpected and prolonged nature of the sounds contribute to their humor. They also delve into the appeal of fart jokes and how they provide a release from seriousness and tension. The hosts share anecdotes from kids and adults who find fart jokes amusing.
The challenges in the novelty toy industry
The podcast examines the novelty toy industry and the difficulties faced by companies in protecting their products. They discuss how the lack of legal protections, such as patents and trademarks, has led to imitation and knockoffs of successful products like the Whoopee Cushion. The hosts highlight the impact of cheap imitations on the industry, which has affected sales and led to the closure of several novelty companies. They emphasize the importance of creativity and innovation in the industry, as well as the need for companies to protect their intellectual property.
Farts have been funny to humans for thousands of years. This basic bodily function has countless nicknames around the world, but our fascination with farts is probably best illustrated by the simple whoopee cushion. In this episode from the podcast Brought to You By, Charlie Herman reports on the history of the whoopee cushion and why we can't help but laugh when we hear that sound.