Lisa Lampanelli a proud 'insult comic'

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Crude-mouthed comedian Lisa Lampanelli, who will star in her own U.S. cable TV series, says she is proud to proclaim herself an "insult comic."

The 47-year-old stand-up comic, known for her brash and at-times offensive sense of humor, said her style of comedy represents toeing the line between acceptable humor and damaging insults, The Washington Post reported Saturday.

"I call myself an insult comic," Lampanelli told the newspaper. "I take no pride in being called a comedian."

Lampanelli is set to star in her first stand-up comedy special next Saturday on HBO, the same network that is creating a series based on the comic known for her use of foul language.

The special and series will likely showcase Lampanelli's trademark comedy, which she compared to famed comedian and satirist Lenny Bruce.

"I've gotten a few fan letters that put it really well," she told the Post. "They like how (my act) brings everyone to the same level, how it shows we're really exactly all alike and how it defuses language, like Lenny Bruce did. The words have no meaning by the end of the night."