I think the distinction needs to be made between “fun” and “funny,” the two are not necessarily the same to an American. Americans are ALWAYS seeking to “have fun” in every situation or find “fun” in everything. Think about it:

“How was the opera?” “It was fun!” “That restaurant looks fun.” “That dress is SO cute!” Read: “You’ll have so much fun wearing it!” “How was your date?” “I’m not attracted, but he’s so much fun, I might go out with him again.” “Oh! That book looks like a ‘fun’ read.”

Nothing drives my French friends more insane than when I ask, “Did you have fun?” “…but was it FUN?” It drives them up the wall.

They break down and beg, “What is this American obsession with being funny?”

See, they don’t even ‘get’ the concept of FUN. Which is an elusive thing, different for each person. Essentially meaning having had a good time. Not the same as finding something funny, silly or amusing, which is often “fun,” though there are many funny situations that Americans find disturbing, unpleasant and uncomfortable, thus preventing one from having fun.

Am I making sense?

For Americans EVERYTHING must have an element of fun, which doesn’t mean they laughed all night. It could be a connection they made with another person, or a new shop they found, or a good meal, or a pleasant walk, or a stress-free work day, a phone call from someone, a concert where they stood unsmiling, not enjoying the music, but they shared a moment with people they like.

This is a very important subject that you have addressed and I hope you will address it further because I do think it is one of the things that really keeps Americans and French people from truly “getting” each other.