Abby Butler: the 10 funniest things I have ever seen (on the internet) | Triple J

I have been admiring this list for years and I’m not being hyperbolic when I say it’s a dream come true to be here.

I’d like to dedicate this list to my friend who, when we were both in primary school, would refuse to sleep over at my house because I was constantly ignoring her to play Stardoll. I’d also like to dedicate this to my parents, who were convinced I was in danger online when really, I was teaching myself how to code so I could change my Tumblr theme and better show off my collection of Lana Del Rey lyrics.

Finally, I would like to dedicate this list to my internet history – you are vast, expansive, brainworm-inducingly questionable and will hopefully self-destruct when I leave this planet.

1. He’s gay, no, he’s blind

I had to resist every temptation to fill this list with my favourite brand of early YouTube videos: newsreader fails. But alas, if one video were to reign supreme above the grape stomp lady and Stevie Jacobs tackling a rooster, it’s this queen and her co-host’s “… OK” that take me out every single time.

2. Sound Quality Gifts

Forget Euro summer; catch me travelling to the small Irish town of Monaghan solely to visit Helen from Sound Quality Gifts. It’s a gift store selling everything from crystals to karaoke microphones to a cardboard cut-out of Helen (which I have on lay-by, thanks for asking). But the real gift? Her content.

3. My Taylor Swift impression

Yes, I’m putting my own video in this list. TBH the reason this is funny is less about the actual impression and more the comment section of Swifites thinking I fully leaked the album. I still think some of these songs would fit well on the deluxe version!

4. Dr Roberta Bobby’s Twitter account

Is it possible to recommend a suspended Twitter account in this list? If so, it feels important to take a moment of reverence for Dr Roberta Bobby, the diva behind iconic tweets such as this one.

5. Brian Jordan Alvarez

I would have to hand in my LGBTQIA+ community membership card if I came on here and didn’t include a Brian Jordan Alvarez video. Everything this man touches is the funniest content on Earth (including the interview we had with him in character for Triple J), but there’s something about the delivery of the phrase “buffet for dinner” that has implanted itself in the depths of my brain.

6. My personally curated gallery of Australian men’s podcast clips

As a radio host, it’s good to keep my eye out for potential competition, and honestly, these fellas are hot on my heels. There is a never-ending well of Australian men’s podcast clips to be found on TikTok, so like a bowerbird I collected all of my favourites for the nest (my Instagram page).

7. The Pink Courtroom

This one’s actually the newest addition to this list. My Triple J co-host and office desk neighbour Tyrone Pynor can confirm that when a new Pink Courtroom is released, I’m acting like a Swiftie when blondie drops a new album. This series has the same energy as when the group chat with your besties is firing from all cylinders and the banter is hitting. Judge Judy could seriously learn a thing or two from Judges Nella and Indiyah.

8. Patti Harrison reviews exotic animals

I had to dig deep into the Facebook archives to unearth this series, but hearing Patti Harrison (AKA one of the funniest people to ever live) ask an animal expert – with a straight face – if kangaroos normally smoke cigarettes made it all worth it.

9. Omigod You Guys

My Roman Empire would honestly be the Vancouver Island University Theatre performance of Legally Blonde: The Musical, specifically their rendition of the opening track Omigod You Guys. Special shout-out to the comedic genius who cast a thirtysomething Elle Woods among a primary school-aged ensemble.

10. Depths of Wikipedia

It feels like I need to include this Instagram account after this list has no doubt decimated a few brain cells. Annie Rauwerda trawls through Wikipedia to find the best, worst, horniest and weirdest bits and bobs.