We have always had gross humor. But we try for funny, not gross.

The quote, "We have always had gross humor. But we try for funny, not gross," comes from Shawn Wayans, an actor, comedian, and member of the comedy troupe The Wayans Family, which is known for their work in sketch comedy and films like Scary Movie and White Chicks. Shawn Wayans is reflecting on his approach to humor, acknowledging that while his work often includes gross or raunchy elements, the ultimate goal is to create humor that is genuinely funny rather than just shocking or offensive.

The meaning of the quote highlights the balance that comedians like Wayans try to strike between humor that pushes boundaries and humor that is truly entertaining. While gross humor—often involving crude or graphic content—can attract attention, Wayans stresses that it’s important to ensure that the humor still lands in a way that amuses the audience rather than just relying on shock value. This distinction reflects the desire to entertain while still maintaining a level of taste and wit in comedy.

Wayans' comment also touches on the evolution of comedy, especially in the context of modern audiences who are often exposed to more daring or controversial content. By acknowledging the presence of gross humor in his work, Wayans is not rejecting it outright, but instead emphasizing that the aim should always be to make people laugh for the right reasons—through clever writing, timing, and execution.

Ultimately, this quote reflects Shawn Wayans' understanding of the complexities of comedic performance. It’s a reminder that while pushing the envelope with humor can be effective, the true success of comedy lies in its ability to connect with the audience and make them laugh, not just to elicit a reaction through shock.