specialist talks

I was at a workshop some time ago, in the middle of Holland, with 20-30 people from all the same background. This gave rise to pleasant discussions, a nice atmosphere and relaxed exchanges between the participants. Out of context, it might be a bit hard to laugh about them, but we had a good time. Scientists are like big kids when they are together, ready to smile and laugh heartily for the tiniest thing. Probably because even for enthousiastic scientists, too many talks are hard to digest, and a good laugh helps to clear the spirits.

speaker (young, enthousiastic, glitter in his eyes):
[...] and we measured this effect. We are still not sure how to interpret it, so I hope to hear some ideas from you. Anyway, we are very exited to find this result! [he pauses, full of expectation. The room is silently attentive. Personally, I have no clue, and I feel I am not the only one.]

expert first row (arms crossed, a bit dry, but still good-humoured)
I would not be exited. I would be worried.

We all laugh, including the speaker. A bit later, another conversation:

speaker (professional, long experience, and always presenting interesting talks):
[...] I learnt from A., my russian student that I should not call this peak "sharp" but "pronounced" as the width of the peak is almost as large as its height. So we found a pronounced peak.

expert first row
Can you get it any sharper?

speaker
You mean more pronounced?

I assure you, this kind of teasing is quite funny, but also demonstrates how the environment is cruxial for the working of jokes. Like this, without knowing who said it and in which situation, I would hardly smile myself.