I was most intrigued by a recent article in the Guardian on humorous quotations (‘Jane Austen tops humour league for Oxford dictionary compiler’). Gyles Brandreth is the complier of the Oxford Dictionary of Humorous Quotations (what a great idea for a book!) and he selected as the funniest quote in English one with which I’m sure you’re very familiar:

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

It is, of course, a superb first line for a novel. Personally, it doesn’t make me laugh out loud, but it’s wonderful to see traditionalism play a part in the rankings here.

I was interested to read that the most-featured quote-maker in the book is Oscar Wilde, with no less than 92 entries. Brandeth told the Guardian:

These are the people whose lines, written or spoken, have stood the test of time. They are the all-time greats. Some are notable for their original humour, some for their pertinent wit and wry observation. Wilde is leagues ahead of the rest of the pack. He is without doubt the most quoted and quotable of them all.

Of the quotes that made it onto the ‘most humorous quotations’ list, these are my personal favourites:

• Between two evils, I always pick the one I never tried before. Mae West
• If not actually disgruntled, he was far from being gruntled. PG Wodehouse
• Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit; wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad. Miles Kington
• We’re supposed to have just a small family affair. Prince William on his wedding

And I would add to the list:

• If you have enough book space, I don’t want to talk to you. Terry Pratchett
• I’d rather be a rising ape than a falling angel. Terry Pratchett
• Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former. Albert Einstein
• Ever notice how ‘What the hell’ is always the right answer? Marilyn Monroe

How about you? Do you have a favourite quote that makes you smile?