What is the origion behind the phrase "As funny as h**l" when h**l is a serious matter?

Question

I just got that curiosity a couple weeks ago. Why do people say something is as funny as h**l, when h**l is not even funny?

Answer 1

Exactly. The phrase was originally coined to be a sarcastic response to something someone else thought was funny, but that fhrase was coined to let the person know it wasn't funny. Today the phrase has lost it's impact because in this day and time, sadly to their dismay, h**l is thought to be a joke. But in due time< I guess those that think so will learn first hand what it's original meaning intended to say.

Answer 2

Yes, h**l is serious,but there's a phrase called "gallows humor",which refers to police,firemen and other medical personnel using humor in morbid situations(like seeing burned-up bodies) to keep themselves from going insane from the sight of it. They feel if they joke about it(in some cases,anyway) ,they can do their jobs and not crack up over it.