Well, often there are misunderstandings that lead to humor. For example, someone might mistake a fellow passenger's bag for a seat and try to sit on it. And then there are those people who try to do something normal in a very abnormal way, like eating a messy sandwich in a really elaborate and comical manner on the subway. These kinds of things are common elements in a funny subway story.
One common element is unexpected behavior. Like someone doing a strange dance or exercise routine. Another is when animals are involved, as I mentioned before with the parrot. Also, funny conversations between strangers can make for a great subway story.
One common theme is the strange behavior of passengers. Like the ones who talk to themselves or act really hyper. Another is unexpected interactions, such as when two strangers start an impromptu dance - off or a singing competition. And then there are the cases of people trying to bring really large or strange items onto the subway which always leads to some comical situations.
Strange noises are also common. Whether it's whispering, moaning, or the sound of chains rattling, these noises add to the spooky atmosphere. Another element could be unexplained cold spots. People might feel a sudden chill in a certain part of the subway, which is often associated with the presence of a ghost.
Once, I saw a man on the NYC subway who was doing yoga poses in the middle of the crowded carriage. He was completely unfazed by the stares and just carried on with his downward dogs and tree poses. It was hilarious and also quite impressive how he managed to balance without falling over.
One key element is urban congestion. Cities were getting too crowded for surface transportation. Another is technological advancement. The development of tunneling and railway technology made subways possible. For example, in London, the early steam - powered trains were a significant part of the start. Also, the vision of urban planners who saw the need for a more efficient and separate transportation system within the city was crucial.
Sure. Once I saw a man on the subway who was trying to balance a dozen balloons while holding a coffee. As the subway jerked, he let go of the coffee to save the balloons. The coffee spilled all over the floor and the balloons flew everywhere, making everyone around him laugh.
Once, I was in a subway. A guy ordered a huge sandwich with all the fixings. As the sandwich artist was making it, the guy kept changing his mind about what to add. First he wanted extra cheese, then no cheese at all. In the end, the sandwich was a jumbled mess but he took it happily and said it was his 'creative special'.
Accidental misunderstandings can be a big part of funny landlord stories. Say a tenant asks for a new lock and the landlord thinks they mean a different kind of 'lock' like a hair lock. So he shows up with a bunch of wigs. Also, the landlord's idiosyncrasies. If a landlord has a strange hobby like collecting old doorknobs and insists on showing them to every new tenant, it can lead to some really funny situations. It makes the landlord seem like a character out of a sitcom.
Mistakes are common. Like one person tripping while trying to look cool in front of their crush. Another element could be miscommunication, for example, sending a text with the wrong meaning and it leading to a funny situation. Also, unexpected events, like a surprise date that goes completely wrong but still ends up bringing the couple closer.
Often, the interaction between the local wildlife and people is a common element. For example, monkeys causing chaos in the streets or birds stealing food. Another element could be the cultural misunderstandings that lead to humorous situations, like a foreigner trying to understand a very specific local custom and getting it all wrong.
One common element is the unexpected. Like when a teacher makes a silly mistake in class, it catches everyone off guard and is funny. For example, if a math teacher forgets how to solve a simple problem they just taught.