Jokes about Russians and Russia

A Russian speaking English sounds like a criminal. And Russian, according to Trevor Noah, ‘sounds like someone’s playing a vinyl backwards’. Plus more humor or attempts thereof about Russians, Russia, and the Russian language, by comedians like Louis C.K. and Dan Soder. Followed by jokes from the Russians themselves, shared by Ronald Reagan.

Trevor Noah: Vinyl Backwards

From Some Languages Are Scary (2018).

Louis C.K: A Really Crazy Place

About the time Louis C.K. went to Russia in his twenties. It was 1994. ‘Somebody told me that the Wall had just come down in the Soviet Union and that Russia was a really crazy place at the time. So I said, I’m gonna go there.’

Several versions are online. This one has Russian subtitles. Россия была безумным место в то время, Russia was a crazy place at that time.

Not everyone found it funny. See/listen to How Louis C.K. doesn’t know a damn thing about Russia (2015). See/read You know who else met with Russians? Louis C.K. (Boston Globe, 2017) and Louis C.K. on His Miserable, Nihilistic Vacation to Post-Soviet Russia (Vulture, 2015).

Dan Soder: Scariest White People

On the usefulness of a Russian accent. “You think dis bad neighbourhood?” as crime prevention, and Russians as the scariest white people. There’s also a version with Russian subtitles (2015), besides Russians are scary from 2013.

Ты думаешь это плохой район?

More comedy on Russia and the Russians in

• Russians (Russell Peters, 2017, 3 mins)
• Russians Are Bad Ass (Maz Jobrani, 2014, 3 mins)
• Funny Jokes About Russians (Greg Wilson, 2013, 1.5 mins)
• Who are Russians in reality? (Dylan Moran, 2013, 5 mins)

See also Why are stand-up comedians so shocked by the Russian accent? (Russia Beyond, 2018)

Ronald Reagan: Soviet Jokes

The 40th President of the United States (not a comedian, but certainly an actor) had a complicated relationship with the then Soviet Union, which he called (in 1983) an Evil Empire. Nevertheless, he visited the heart of that Empire (in 1988) and made an effort to say доверяй, но проверяй (trust but verify) while standing next to Gorbachev. That went over much better.

He made another attempt at Russian at the Moscow State University, when he tried to say желаю вам успеха (I wish you success). It seems to take a moment for the audience to realize it was Russian. But then: applause. Success after all.

Reagan also told Soviet jokes (‘which reveal that they got a great sense of humor, but they’ve also got a pretty cynical attitude toward their system’) and it was all good.