Is this your favourite knock knock joke?

The classic “knock, knock” joke may soon be consigned to history, as 20 per cent of people under the age of 30 have never heard or told one.
Older people said they believed that traditional jokes were less popular.Older people said they believed that traditional jokes were less popular.
Older people said they believed that traditional jokes were less popular.

A further 75 percent of all ages polled agreed they are “a bit old fashioned” and not as funny as they used to be, with experts saying they believed that social media humour has changed what we find funny.

Over half of those surveyed agreed that sometimes a joke is so bad, it is actually funny, however a quarter of over 50s feel sad that old jokes have fallen by the wayside.

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David Arnold, of insights agency Perspectus Global, which carried out the poll, said: “The classic knock, knock joke is part of our national heritage. However funny or unfunny they may be, they still have the ability to put a much needed smile on our faces. It would be sad if they were consigned to the joke book of history."

Knock, knock jokes have played a long role in British life, with most experts believing they originated from William Shakespeare, who conjured up many famous phrases, sayings, insults, and jokes. “Knock, knock” is said to be one of them and first appeared in a monologue from Macbeth in 1606.

Much later on August 19, 1936, the entertainment magazine Variety reported that a 'Knock, Knock craze' was sweeping America. A few months later, a British actor and comedian named Wee Georgie Wood started telling knock, knock jokes in the UK.

The data also revealed a list of the worst knock knock jokes, according to Brits, with classic gag “Knock, knock. Who’s there? Cash. Cash who? No thanks, I’m allergic to nuts” coming top.

The top five best Knock, Knock jokes as voted by the nation:

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Cash. Cash who? No thanks, i’m allergic to nuts (53 per cent)

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Tank. Tank who? You’re welcome. (49 per cent)

Knock, knock? Who’s there? Little old lady. Little old lady who? I didn’t know you could yodel. (46 per cent)

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Dishes. Dishes who? Dishes the Police, come out with your hands up. (35 per cent)

Knock, knock. Who’s there? Stopwatch. Stopwatcha doing and open the door (32 per cent)

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