"The term derives from the humoral medicine of the ancient Greeks, which taught that the balance of fluids in the human body... controlled human health and emotion."
The study of how humor functions in communication, and how it is used to achieve various goals, such as bonding, social commentary, and breaking tension.
Linguistic Pragmatics: This refers to the study of how language is used in context to convey meaning, including the use of humor.
Sociolinguistics: This is the study of how language is used in social contexts, including the role of humor in social interactions and relationships.
Conversational Analysis: This is the study of how people use language in conversation, including the use of humor to establish rapport and build relationships.
Cognitive Linguistics: This is the study of how language reflects and shapes human thought and perception, including the role of humor in cognitive processes.
Semiotics: This is the study of signs and symbols, including the use of humor as a signifier or symbol in communication.
Philosophy of Language: This is the study of the nature and use of language, including the philosophical implications of humor and its role in communication.
Literary Theory: This is the study of literature and storytelling, including the use of humor in literary works and the effects of literary humor on readers.
Psychology of Humor: This is the study of the psychological processes involved in humor, including the cognitive, emotional, and social factors that contribute to the understanding and enjoyment of humor.
Cultural Studies: This is the study of how culture affects communication, including the role of humor in cultural norms, values, and beliefs.
Anthropology: This is the study of human culture and societies, including the role of humor in cultural practices and identities.
Incongruity: The use of unexpected or unusual humor in a conversation or situation.
Superiority: The use of humor to express one's superiority, status or power over another person.
Misfortune: The use of humor in situations that involve misfortunes or unexpected circumstances.
Exaggeration: The use of hyperbole or exaggerated statements to create humor.
Irony: The use of words that express the opposite of what is expected to create humor.
Satire: The use of humor and irony to criticize or make fun of people, society, or politics.
Sarcasm: A form of irony, where the speaker uses words that convey a meaning that is the opposite of what is intended.
Parody: The use of humor to mimic or imitate a person, place, or thing in a satirical way.
Puns: The use of words or phrases that have multiple meanings to create humor.
Wit: The use of clever and amusing remarks to create humor in a conversation or situation.
"People of all ages and cultures respond to humor."
"Most people are able to experience humor—be amused, smile or laugh at something funny... and thus are considered to have a sense of humor."
"The hypothetical person lacking a sense of humor would likely find the behavior to be inexplicable, strange, or even irrational."
"The extent to which a person finds something humorous depends on a host of variables, including geographical location, culture, maturity, level of education, intelligence, and context."
"Young children may favor slapstick such as Punch and Judy puppet shows or cartoons such as Tom and Jerry or Looney Toons, whose physical nature makes it accessible to them."
"More sophisticated forms of humor such as satire require an understanding of its social meaning and context."
"The term derives from the humoral medicine of the ancient Greeks."
"The humoral medicine of the ancient Greeks taught that the balance of fluids in the human body... controlled human health and emotion."
"Humour (Commonwealth English) or humor (American English)"
"The tendency of experiences to provoke laughter and provide amusement."
"Be amused, smile or laugh at something funny."
"People of all ages and cultures respond to humor."
"The extent to which a person finds something humorous depends on a host of variables... geograhical location, culture, maturity, level of education, intelligence, and context."
"Punch and Judy puppet shows or cartoons such as Tom and Jerry or Looney Toons."
"Satire... tend to appeal to a more mature audience."
"Though ultimately decided by subjective personal taste..."
"...the extent to which a person finds something humorous depends on... understanding of its social meaning and context."
"The hypothetical person lacking a sense of humor would likely find the behavior to be inexplicable, strange, or even irrational."
"The balance of fluids in the human body... controlled human health and emotion."