The 50 Varieties of Humour/Humor
What defines humor? What categories exist? Why is it significant? Which form generates the greatest amusement and the most value? Are we currently in an age devoid of humor?
Humor — It Offers More Than Just Laughter
SSome may argue that for a guild dedicated tounderstanding the world around usWhy would you choose to immerse yourself in the depths of humor, comedy, blunders, and jokes? Throughout history, humor has often been regarded as the antithesis ofseriousness and could have been attributed to individuals who were inconsistent, wayward, and capricious.
For centuries, we have probably underestimated humor’s potential to offer wisdom, convey truths, enhance well-being, and envision brighter futures—often surpassing other forms of media. A few individuals have recognized its value:
- Aristotle believed that humor was essential for achieving happiness and living well, and that a balanced sense of humor enhanced one’s ability to think clearly.
- Thomas Aquinas held that humor fostered rationality, moral excellence, and advantages for society.
- Mark Twain held the view that humor was humanity’s greatest gift, filled with insight and the benevolent aspect of truth.
- A veteran of military service and World War II, as well as an architect and president, Dwight D Eisenhower viewed humor as an essential component of effective leadership. He considered it vital for building relationships and achieving objectives.
- Psychologist Edward de Bono proposed that humor stands out as the most vital function of the human mind, arising from the capacity to link seemingly unconnected ideas, contexts, scenarios, and individuals.
According to Merriam-Webster, humor is characterized by its stimulus, effect, and process:
- a trait that evokes a perception of the ridiculous or wildly out of place; a humorous or entertaining characteristic
- the cognitive capacity to recognize, articulate, or enjoy what is laughably absurd or out of place; the skill of invoking humor or finding amusement in comical situations
- something that is intended to be or crafted for humor and entertainment
The Importance of Humor and Its Significance
The appropriate form of humorhelps us grow as individualsand instantly more approachable as individuals:
Humor in contemporary society is often regarded as a vitala beneficial mental resiliencesupporting others to feel valued, essential for fostering friendship and closeness, and helping us build resilience against stress. Psychologists refer to these beneficial qualities astranscendanceIndividually and collectively, they enable us to build bonds with the world, give purpose to existence, and show a strong association with qualities such as wisdom, bravery, compassion, fairness, temperance, knowledge, and hope.
Participants placed exceptional value on personality, with humour being especially highly regarded.individuals looking for meaningful romantic relationshipsAbove all else—beyond intellect, passions, appearance, or wealth:
Humor also plays a significant role in fostering connections and easing tensions. It serves as a universal language that bridges gaps between individuals, creating moments of shared laughter and understanding. Whether in casual conversations or formal settings, humor can lighten the mood, making interactions more enjoyable and memorable. Its ability to break down barriers and build camaraderie is unparalleled, proving its value in both personal and professional relationships.improved well-being and bodily advantages.Laughter is scientifically proven to be 500 times more potent than morphine in reducing pain, while also promoting improved circulation and deeper sleep.
The most effective forms of humorhelp us connect better with students as educatorsWhen executed effectively, 99% of students express a desire for it, and 70% report highly positive impressions, leading to improved focus and involvement with the presented learning material.
Humor enables our minds to find lightness in challenging situations, offering a refreshing perspective that eases tension and fosters connection. It acts as a universal language, bridging gaps between people and creating shared moments of joy. Through laughter, we navigate difficulties with resilience, transforming stress into opportunities for bonding and emotional relief. Humor not only uplifts spirits but also strengthens relationships, making it an essential tool for both personal well-being and social harmony.content and advertising to become more memorable and appealing:
Why isn’t this more common in both our careers and daily lives?
We often overestimate how funny we are.
Exploring humor further is the initial phase of uncovering new insights. From what we observe,Many people often overestimate their own sense of humor.Perhaps we aim for humor, but the effect isn’t landing as intended with our audience.
We Often Hesitate to Utilize It:
Just one-third of employees report regularly using humor at work due to factors such as actual or assumed disapproval from superiors, insufficient knowledge of how to incorporate it, time constraints, and a failure to recognize its benefits.
The Golden Mean — Aristotle’s Perspective on Balance
Aristotle argued that effective humor required a delicate equilibrium—a midpoint lying betweena crude and uncultured loutand theexcessive and foolish clownPhysical comedy stands as the finest form of humor. This is a compelling viewpoint. While exploring the 50 styles that come next, we won’t assert that any other variations of comedy or humor are superior.
Over Fifty Varieties of Humor
#1 Slapstick
e.g. Naked Gun, Tom & Jerry, Gilligan’s Islanddef: a form of physical humor marked by exaggerated comedy, ridiculous scenarios, and energetic or aggressive movements, featuring the distinct slapstick components of: the stumble, the slide, the delayed reaction, the crash, the tumble (or collapse), and the bellow.
#2 Absurd Comedy
e.g., Space Balls, The Importance of Being Earnest, Waiting for Godotdef. a comedic theatrical piece employing slapstick humor and exaggerated physical antics, often featuring absurdly exaggerated characters and wildly implausible scenarios
#3 Parody
e.g. Monty Python, Don Quixote, Scary Moviedef. a humorous exaggeration that mimics the distinctive style of a specific writer, artist, or genre for comedic purposes
#4 Mocking One’s Own Style
The Extras, First Law (Asminov), Bill Murray/Zombielanddef. a humorous imitation of oneself or one’s own creations, occasionally appearing as a brief film cameo or literary self-inclusion
#5 The Genre of Comedy
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Jerk, How I Met Your Motherdef. a category among the twelve principal types of literary and entertainment genres, falling under drama, theater, film, stand-up comedy, TV, radio, literature, or other forms of media. It focuses on ordinary life, characters, and amusing situations, typically featuring lighthearted conclusions meant to provoke laughter and amusement through plots involving misunderstandings, emotions, wit, or social behaviors.
#6 Romantic Comedy (commonly abbreviated as Rom-com)
When Harry Met Sally, New Girl, Twelfth Nightdef. a subcategory of comedy and slice-of-life storytelling, emphasizing playful, amusing narratives that revolve around romantic themes, particularly the notion that genuine love can overcome nearly any challenge
#7 Internet Memes and Viral Comedy
RickRoll, the Dancing Baby, and Charlie Bit My Fingerdef. a humorous or engaging piece of content—such as an image with a caption or a short video—or a category of such content that gains rapid popularity online, primarily through social media and direct sharing between individuals or within groups. Its viral nature rewards both the sharer (“I discovered this first”) and the viewer (“Now I get the joke”) due to the network effect.
#8 Journalism with a Humorous Twist
Rick Mercer, John Oliver, Frank Magazinedef. employs humor and satire to deliver news to a broad audience, blending comedy with reporting to convey messages in an engaging way. These outlets often adopt a subjective perspective, earning trust not through impartiality but by fostering a strong emotional bond with their audience.
#9 Playful/Quirky/Jesting
The Office, Eraserhead, The Rocky Horror Picture Showa clown, performer, or fool; amusing in a quirky or playful fashion, often seen as eccentric, jovial, peculiar, bizarre, or unconventional, captivating spectators through unconventional humor
#10 Wit/Quip/Repartee
e.g. The Royal Tenenbaums, Shaun of the Dead, Fleabag, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxydef. keen wit marked by rapid thinking; intellectual agility, particularly when pressed for time
#11 Euphemism and Aphorism
e.g.“Devoting additional moments to being with loved ones at home”— actually means “I was forced to step down,”“If it’s not broken, there’s no need to fix it,”Yogi Berra was a legendary figure in baseball, known for his exceptional skills as a catcher and his memorable, often humorous quotes. He played the majority of his career with the New York Yankees, contributing to their numerous World Series victories. Beyond his athletic prowess, Berra became beloved for his unique personality and wit, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the field.
Euphemism:A gentle or roundabout term used in place of one deemed overly direct or severe when addressing something uncomfortable or awkward, with certain examples meant to entertain and others to minimize impact.
Aphorism: a concise remark expressing a universal truth, often humorously twisted or inaccurately cited maxims serve as a common wellspring for comedy
#12 Practical Joke
April Fools’, Candid Camera, Jackalopedef. a playful prank intended to deceive someone, often leading to feelings of humiliation, bewilderment, disorientation, or unease
#13 Deadpan
Steven Wright, Aubrey Plaza, Buster Keatondef. an intentional show of emotional detachment or lack of expression, often used as a comedic technique to highlight the absurdity or ridiculousness of the content. The tone is typically straightforward, ironic, understated, or seemingly accidental.
#14 Gallows/Black/Morbid Humor
American Psycho, Seinfeld “The Finale,” This Is the End, Slaughterhouse-Five, Fargo, The Big LebowskiHumor that jokes about perilous, catastrophic, or frightening scenarios, addressing grave subjects like death, war, illness, and criminal acts in a playful, absurd, or mocking manner.
#15 Wit on the Edge
Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Wanda Sykesdef. deliberately provocative ironic humor crafted to shock or mock, often shared for its absurdity or the satirical nature of the topic, playing withthe boundary or threshold of crossing a limit
#16 Comedy Through Imagery
Jackie Chan in *Rush Hour* and Rowan Atkinson as *Mr. Bean*Visual humor depends on elements of a performance visible to the audience, such as facial expressions and physical gestures. Unlike silent comedy, it involves the performer using their body or face to generate amusement, potentially incorporating speech or verbal cues alongside physical actions.
#17 Witty Remarks/Paraprosdokians
Rodney Dangerfield, Oscar Wilde, Gilbert Gottfrieddef. a humorous or witty comment, typically concise and delivered in a single sentence
#18 Musical Comedy/Humor
e.g. The Blues Brothers, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Adam Sandlerdef. a form of performance, play, or film incorporating singing and dancing into the narrative, designed to be amusing and enjoyable.
#19 Theatrical/Variety/Vaudeville Entertainment
The Tonight Show, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Browndef. humor achieved when characters overcome adverse situations by generating comedic effects through a blend of music, performance, dialogue, and/or dance skills
#20 Unsophisticated Comedy
American Pie. Big Mouth, Sex, Drugs & Cocoa Puffsdef. a theatrical or literary genre designed purely for amusement, relying on exaggerated antics like bragging, rowdy humor, intoxication, quarreling, brawling, clownish behavior, and chaotic scenes to provoke laughter; easily accessible, targeting broad audiences to elicit the loudest and most immediate reactions.
#21 Sophisticated Comedy
Being John Malkovich, Silicon Valley, David Sedarisdef. humor marked by nuanced and sophisticated insight, prompting reflection on the intentional focus of wit; encourages deeper contemplation, inviting layered interpretations of intellect, personal traits, dual implications, comedic sensibility, and stylistic humor.
#22 The Essence of Comedy
Films directed by Kevin Smith, such as *Dogma* and *Mallrats*, along with Dennie Miller and *The Onion*.inside jokes or references that only make sense to a specific group, those who are part of a particular circle or community.ina specific social group, profession, or community with common interests, or amusing solely to those familiar with the context of the joke
#23 Standup Meeting
Chris Rock, Robin Williams, Sarah Silvermandef. humor where a comedian engages directly with a live crowd, delivering material through one-liners, anecdotes, or observational bits, often enhanced by props, music, magic, or ventriloquism
#24 The Art of Noticing Life’s Funny Moments
Jim Gaffigan, Jerry Seinfeld, Billy Connollydef. observational comedy consists of extended monologues based on personal anecdotes; the punchline is often unpredictable or absent, typically focusing on mundane aspects of daily life that are seldom acknowledged or explored.
#25 Preliminary Drawing
Saturday Night Live, The Two Ronnies, and The Carol Burnett Showdef. consists of a sequence of brief, humorous segments or sketches, typically lasting from one to ten minutes, carried out by a troupe of comedic performers or comedians. It involves a lighthearted examination of an idea, persona, or scenario (unlike a skit, which focuses on a single punchline).
#26 Comedy of Circumstances
Cheers, Modern Family, All in the Familydef. a comedic style focused on a consistent group of characters that typically reappear across episodes, contrasting with Sketch comedy, where characters often vary between segments.
#27 Humor Rooted in Surrealism and Absurdity
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead, Ren & Stimpydef. based on intentional breaches of causal logic, generating occurrences and actions that are clearly unreasonable; often characterized by strange contrasts, unresolved inconsistencies, illogical progressions, senseless or ridiculous scenarios, and manifestations of absurdity
#28 Playful Language and Witty Puns
Mad Magazine, Laugh In, Bob’s Burgersdef. the artful and playful manipulation of language, employing literary elements such as consonance, assonance, spelling, alliteration, onomatopoeia, rhyme, acronym, pun, and slang to craft entertaining and frequently humorous written or spoken phrases. This relies on various rhetorical dimensions, including spelling, phonetics (word sounds and pronunciation), and semantics (word meanings).
#29 Satire and Burlesque
Shaun of the Dead, O Brother Where Art Thou, The Beaverton, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Adbusters def.
- Satire Culture jamming employs humor, irony, exaggeration, or mockery to highlight and critique foolishness or moral flaws, especially within modern political discourse and relevant societal matters, serving as a mode of dissent.
- BurlesqueBurlesque is a literary and theatrical style that humorously critiques serious topics through irony or absurdity, creating comedy via mockery or satire. It achieves this by either treating important themes with exaggerated crudeness (low burlesque) or elevating trivial subjects with exaggerated refinement (high burlesque). Parody, a distinct form of high burlesque, should not be mistaken for American Burlesque—a later variety entertainment that incorporated striptease, though it originated from the broader burlesque tradition.
#30 Parody
This Is Spinal Tap, The Naked Gun, Young Frankensteindef. generally, a style of cinematic comedy that mimics or challenges a genre or particular piece, where the source material is mocked through the creation of a parallel yet modified version.
#31 Comedy Through Movement
e.g. The Three Stooges, Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner, Jack Tripper from Three’s Companydef. comedy that relies on exaggerated bodily movements for amusement, encompassing slapstick (as noted earlier), clowning, mime, acrobatic feats, or exaggerated facial expressions.
#32 Dark Comedy
Tom Green, Rick & Morty, Howard SternA style of crude or edgy comedy designed to provoke a reaction, often featured in radio, characterized by extreme vulgarity, explicit sexual content, ridiculing solemn topics, or insensitivity following a tragic event.
#33 Provocative/Adult Comedy/Raunchy Humor
Superbad, Chaucer, Redd Foxxcomedy that spans from near impropriety to outright obscenity, often with sexual themes, designed to challenge societal norms and frequently provokes offense among certain viewers
#34 Quiet Comedy/Mime Performance
Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Marcel Marceau, and Shaun the SheepHumor that relies on visual elements rather than dialogue (often inspired by vaudeville and silent films) frequently incorporates physical jokes, expressive gestures, exaggerated facial movements, altered pacing (unnaturally fast or slow), over-the-top acts of aggression, and the reversal of musical cues.
#35 Screwball Comedy
It Happened One Night, Anchorman, Runaway BrideA category within romantic comedies that mocks conventional love stories, often through conflicts between genders, romantic tension across social divides, or contrasting upbringings; hallmark features of the screwball genre consist of rapid, witty dialogue, absurd scenarios, lighthearted escapism, playful gender clashes, hidden identities, and narratives centered around romance and matrimony.
#36 Humor Through Paradox, Misplaced Identity, and Epigrams
e.g. Blades of Glory, Galaxy Quest, Dave, Oscar Wildedef. the humorous contrast between character, identity, or declarations of two elements that appear contradictory, rarely observed, or contrary to logic, yet may still hold truth, have occurred, or remain possible
#37 Hyperbole/Exaggeration/Testing Boundaries
Elf, The Grinch, Jackass, Aziz Ansari — Master of None,def. an intentional overstatement or extravagant exaggeration, employed to stress a point or create an impact; an expression that amplifies reality, such as “fish out of water,” or a figure of speech utilized for humorous or ironic purposes.
#38 Ridicule/Satirical Remarks/Deriving Pleasure from Others’ Misfortune
Ricky Gervais hosting the Golden Globes, Slaughterhouse-Five, the Darwin Awards
- Humor that involves mocking or derisive imitationMockery involves taunting, ridiculing, or emphasizing unfavorable traits of a person or subject, whether through teasing, exaggerated portrayals, or pointed remarks. It can range from playful and good-natured to harsh and malicious, often serving to challenge authority or bridge gaps between different groups or individuals.
- Sarcasmis the biting use of language, frequently with humor, to ridicule a person or subject; utilizing contradiction, irony, tone, and situational nuance.
- SchadenfreudeHumor creates the effect of experiencing pleasure, joy, or self-satisfaction indirectly, derived from observing or becoming aware of another person’s struggles, misfortunes, or embarrassment.
#39 Bold Humor/Sharp-Witted Banter
Dean Martin, Jeff Ross, Don Rickles, David Spadedef. a form of comedy that may be harmful to others, marked by sarcastic remarks, insults, mockery, disapproval, scorn, and similar humor aimed at targeting individuals.
#40 Immature/Childish/Crude Humor/Fart Jokes
Shrek, South Park, Animal House, Happy Gilmoredef. caters to a childish notion of immaturity, often appearing arrogant, overly self-assured, misinformed, and juvenile
#41 Humor Focused on Self-Improvement
e.g., Phoebe in Friends, Michael Scott in The Office, John Mulaneydef. humor discovering amusement in life’s challenges and maintaining optimism; inherently positive and self-focused; grinning wryly at life’s absurdities, employing humor to navigate reality
#42 The Art of Poking Fun at Yourself
e.g., It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, Gary Shandling, Don Knotts, Joan Riversdef. a comedic approach centered on self-deprecation, downplaying one’s worth, or displaying extreme humility; intended to highlight societal struggles, resonate with shared anxieties, foster relatability, or elicit empathetic or favorable responses
#43 Affiliative Humor Focused on Strengthening Relationships
Pitch Perfect, Ferris Bueller, Jerry Seinfelddef. involves sharing jokes centered on universally amusing topics; inclusive by nature, affiliative humor aims to unite people through shared laughter, fostering camaraderie, joy, and a positive atmosphere.
#44 Awkward Comedy
For example, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, Borat, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Jersey Shore.def. a comedic style that generates laughter through uncomfortable social situations and taboo enjoyment, often testing societal norms; whether portrayed by actors, public figures, or reality TV stars, the humor arises when they cross lines of political correctness or acceptability, resulting in ego bruising or zero repercussions, all while eliciting an uneasy reaction from viewers.
#45 Caricature/Portrayal
The New Yorker, Donato, Mort Drucker from Mad Magazine, Tina Fey as Sarah Palindef. a skewed portrayal of an individual that amplifies certain traits while reducing others to oversimplifications, or an act that mimics the sounds, voices, and behaviors of public figures, politicians, or animated characters to create a humorous or satirical impact
#46 Dad Jokes
What type of bear acts superior to everyone else? A pan-duh!def. a joke lacking originality or humor, typically associated with middle-aged or older men; often considered anti-humor that provokes groans from listeners, usually structured as puns or brief one-liners.
#47 Absurdity/Non-Comedy
e.g. Andy Kaufman, Norm Macdonald, Eric Andredef. a form of indirect and unconventional humor where the joke or narrative is deliberately unfunny or devoid of inherent significance; the comedic effect arises from the audience’s anticipation of humor, only for the irony of its absence to become the source of amusement.
#48 Ventriloquism, Puppet Humor, and Prop Comedy
Shari Lewis, The Muppets, and Tommy Cooper.def. is a theatrical performance technique where an individual produces the illusion that their voice originates from a different source, typically a manipulated prop referred to as a “dummy”; often described as the skill to “project” one’s voice; or the artistic control of lifeless items, frequently shaped to mimic human or animal forms; or an act employing comedic props, or ordinary items used in amusing or unconventional manners.
#49 Storytellers/Humorists
Mark Twain, Neil Simon, Will Rogers, Noel Coward, Fran Lebowitzdef. an intellectual who employs humor or wit in writing or public discourse, yet is not primarily driven by the goal of provoking laughter; unlike comedians, who are entertainers in the industry of eliciting audience amusement
#50 Improv
e.g. Second City, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Marx Brothersdef. a type of performance, typically comedic, where the majority or entirety of the content is unscripted and developed in the moment: generated spontaneously by the actors; the conversations, scenes, narrative, and roles emerge collectively as the improvisation progresses in real time, without relying on a pre-written script.
Is this the age of “unfun”?
First strike.Research from Stanford indicates that people may begin to lose their sense of humor around age 23. On average, a 4-year-old laughs as many as 300 times daily, while a 40-year-old typically laughs just three times a day.
Strike two.People are censoring themselves far more frequently than they used to.
Wild Pitch.Americans appear to be sharply divided, moving in opposite directions on this issue.
Open Question?Has cancel culture undermined our capacity for humor?
The debate continues to evolve, revealing contrasting perspectives on familiar terms and trends.:
Become part of our Guild (check out the ways to join below) as we launch a fresh summer event centered on Play, humor’s close relative, and how it enhances learning and exploration.
Explore our News Wrap Volume #2, Edition #13, centered on the theme of Humor.
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