I recently enjoyed a good collection of scientists' favourite jokes, and sure enough, one of the very long list was funny from a tribological perspective. (That number may have increased by now with all the comments being added to the piece)
Anyway, this got me thinking. Tribology as a discipline is often taken less than seriously, but only by those who do not understand it. To the total newcomer, it might initially sound like a form of anthropology. To a scientist or engineer practicing an adjacent discipline, it might sound like just another piece of jargon that has been erected out of jealousy (or shame?) by its own practitioners. Any humour arising from these misinterpretations is unlikely to be funny to a tribologist.
The emergence of a definite strand of tribological humour, making fun of life and the world from a tribological perspective rather than deprecating tribology itself, would be a useful goal to supplement our professional efforts. It might even help to break down some interpersonal barriers, which would be helpful for all of us.
So here is the joke that got me thinking, slightly re-worded from the reference above. If you find it helpful, why not post your favourite tribological jokes here too?
Q: Two cats are sliding down a roof. Which one reaches the bottom first?
A: The one with the lower mu.
