2/11: Jim Jeffries at Hilarities

“I have a proper fear of bananas,” says Australian comic Jim Jeffries. “I can smell one from 20 meters. They make my stomach turn. The last time I touched one, I was about five. I’m the bad boy of comedy, but I’m scared of fruit.” Still, Jeffries says he’s not as mean-spirited as his raunchy routines let on. “You can’t compare me to American comics who are much more offensive than I am,” he says. “For instance, comics in America do more race-related jokes than we do in England or Australia.” Jeffries has an edgy reputation and often tosses around a four-letter curse word, that also happens to be his favorite part of the female anatomy. “It’s in the dictionary,” he says. “It’s a body part. I don’t see what all the fuss is about. Saying that word is nothing compared to the Mexican-cleaner jokes I hear from American comics.” Offensive, funny and unapologetic, Jeffries performs at 8 tonight at Hilarities at Pickwick & Frolic (2035 E. 4th St., 216.736.4242). He’s also at the club at 7:30 and 10:15 p.m. tomorrow and Saturday, and 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets: $15-$23. — Ed Condran