Superiority Theory
There is always a “butt” of the joke
They are inferior, while we are superior
Can be harmless, as in slapstick or physical comedy
BUT, this can also be problematic if we are “punching down”
e.g. when a group of people who hold different political beliefs to the creator and intended audience are being made fun of
Incongruity Theory
Humor coming from something (often the punchline) being unexpected or absurd.
Something is funny because a twist is given and throws off our pattern recognition, it provokes the humor.
Metaphors are often utilized, but not necessary.
Eg. Using a word play on the phrase ‘bear with me’ to mean act like a bear with me.
Relief Theory
Reliefs from psychological tension such as fears, nervousness
Laughter and joy from relief humor releases excess nervous/psychic energy
Used in tragic situations
Theorized by Herbert Spencer/Sigmund Freud
E.g. When a character is completely oblivious to the situation around them/in a fight (Jar jar binks)
Self-Deprecating
Meaning: To make your achievements, appearance, mental illnesses, issues and insecurities into jokes, sort of sarcastic
Why: A lot of people use them to fit in, make themselves feel better, that’s their type of humor
Effects on other people: Can be awkward, sad, exhausting -> they feel like they have to reassure/worry about you
The problem: It’s pretty negative, can make your mental health worse, and self-esteem worse, can drive people away, can be edgy and unfunny
Observational
Observational comedy is a form of humor based on the common aspects of everyday life. The comedian can make an observation about something which is obvious but ironic to point out.
Surreal
When going against what the audience expects in a way that is illogical and juxtapositional
Events and behaviors that are obviously illogical and juxtapositional
Violations of causal reasoning
Irrational or absurd situations
E.g. Things to do on a Sunday: let a grown man eat half a boiled egg off your forehead
Wordplay
It's the clever/witty use of words and meaning to form amusing and humorous expressions
Involves using literary devices (consonance, assonance, alliteration, pun, etc)
It relies on the sound/pronunciation of the words and the meaning
E.g. Often used in dad jokes: The past, the present, and the future walked into a bar. It was tense.
Topical
Humor that revolves around current events/ issues that are important and popular.
The humor diminishes when the topic is no longer relevant
May be used in order to mock something/someone
Eg: In the comic Trump thinks that the map is of which states the republican party has won however Biden is reminding him that it is just a map of covid hotspots in the US.
Satire
Exaggeration or irony to criticize people’s vices and the limitations of society
In the context of politics or topical issues
It’s like constructive social criticism with wit
E.g. Government’s denial of climate change
Dark Humor
Involving gloomy or morbid satire
Finds brighter sides of difficult subjects by adding humor
“We can’t defeat death, but we can make it look a bit silly.” (BBC)
Example: Do you know the phrase “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? Wonderful saying, horrible way to find out that you were adopted.