NativeUK Logo NATIVEUK.COM LESSONS
September 17th • British Tradition

World Gurning Championship

Dating back to 1267, the Egremont Crab Fair in the UK is home to one of the world's strangest competitions: Gurning. Participants put their head through a leather horse collar (known as a braffin) and attempt to distort their faces into the most hideous, grotesque, and funny expressions possible. The goal is simple: to be the ugliest person in the room. Today, we debate the role of humour in national identity, the art of self-deprecation, and why some cultures love to celebrate the absurd.

A person making a funny, distorted face

Speaking Discussion

  • What is your initial thought when you see a photo of a gurner? Is it funny, or just confusing?
  • Why do you think British culture has so many absurd and silly traditions compared to other countries?
  • Is making yourself look ugly in public a form of art, or is it just a bit of harmless fun?
  • In your opinion, is self-deprecating humour (making fun of yourself) a sign of confidence or a lack of self-esteem?
  • How does a community benefit from having a 750-year-old tradition that makes people laugh together?
  • If you were forced to compete in a funny face competition today, what would your signature move be?

Activity 1: The absurd Tourism Campaign

The Task: You are the Director of Tourism for Egremont. You want to attract young Gen Z tourists to the Gurning Championship.

How will you make looking ugly look cool on TikTok?

Activity 2: Rapid Fire Sentences

Complete the sentence and justify it in 20 seconds.

  • "The best way to make someone laugh is..."
  • "I think silly traditions are..."
  • "In my opinion, humour is..."