humor

a message whose ingenuity or verbal skill or incongruity has the power to evoke laughter the trait of appreciating (and being able to express) the humorous

"she didn't appreciate my humor"

"you can't survive in the army without a sense of humor" a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling

"whether he praised or cursed me depended on his temper at the time"

"he was in a bad humor" the quality of being funny

"I fail to see the humor in it" (Middle Ages) one of the four fluids in the body whose balance was believed to determine your emotional and physical state

"the humors are blood and phlegm and yellow and black bile" the liquid parts of the body put into a good mood

This article discusses humour in terms of comedy and laughter. For ancient Greek theories of humour in physiology, psychology and medicine, see four humours.Humour (Commonwealth English) or humor (American English) is the ability or quality of people, objects or situations to evoke feelings of amusement in other people. The term encompasses any form of entertainment or human communication which evokes such feelings, or which makes people laugh or feel happy.The origin of the term derives from the four humourshumoral medicine of the ancient Greeks, which stated that a mix of fluids known as humours controlled human health and emotion.A sense of humour is the ability to experience humour, a quality which all people share, although the extent to which an individual will personally find something humourous depends on a host of absolute and relative variables, including but not limited to sex, age, geographical location (geography)location, culture, maturity, level of education and context. For example, young children (of any background) particularly favour slapstick, while satire tends to appeal to more mature audiences.

Styles or techniques - Examples of various different styles of humour, or techniques for evoking humour or creating a humourous situation are listed below.

Verbal

*Figure of speech

**Triple and paraprosdokian

**Enthymeme

**Syllepsis

**Hyperbole

**Understatement

*Word play

**Oxymoron

**Pun

*Comic sounds or inherently funny words with sounds that make them amusing in a language

*Joke

**Adages, often in the form of paradox "law (principle)laws" of nature, such as Murphy's law

**Stereotyping, such as blonde jokes, lawyer jokes, racial jokes, viola jokes.

**Sick Jokes, arousing humour through grotesque, violent or exceptionally cruel scenarios

*Riddle

*Irony, where a statement or situation implies both a superficial and a concealed meaning which are at odds with each other.

*Wit, as in many one-liner jokes

*Non-sequitur

*Droll humorDroll

*Sarcasm

*Satire

*Parody

*Self-irony

*Ridicule, such as the Darwin Awards

**Self-ridicule, such as Rodney Dangerfield's self-deprecating humour

Nonverbal communicationNonverbal

*Deadpan, Fake stern manner (inappropriate in a comic setting)

*Slapstick

**Exaggerated or unexpected gestures and movements

**Inflicting pain, such as kick in the groin

*Faking stupidity

*Clash of context humour, such "fish out of water".

*Surreal humour or absurdity

*Practical joke: luring someone into a humorous position or situation and then laughing at their expense

*Form-versus-content humour

*Funny pictures: Photos or drawings/cartoons that are intentionally or unintentionally humorous.

*Visual humour: Like the above, but encompassing narrative in theater or comics ,or on film or video.

Anti-humour

*Deliberate ambiguity and confusion with reality, often performed by Andy Kaufman

Unintentional humour, that is, making people laugh without intending to (as with Ed Wood's ''Plan 9 From Outer Space)

Character Driven, deriving humour from the way characters act in specific situations, without punchlinepunchlines. ''Exemplified by'' The Larry Sanders Show and Curb Your Enthusiasm.Note - many more exist''

Understanding humour - The term "humour" as formerly applied in comedy referred to the interpenetration of the sublime (philosophy)sublime and the ridiculous. For this reason humour is often a subject (philosophy)subjective experience as it depends on a special mood or perspective from its audience to be effective. By comparison, the use of irony creates the perception of a passage from the serious to the comic, while in humour the opposite is true. Arthur Schopenhauer lamented the misuse of the term (the German loanword from English) to mean any type of comedy.One explanation of humour is based on the fact that a great deal of humour is a consequence of language. Language is an approximation of thoughts through symbolic manipulation, and the gap between the expectations inherent in those symbols and the breaking of those expectations leads to laughter. Irony is explicitly this form of comedy, whereas slapstick takes more passive social norms relating to physicality and plays with them. In other words, comedy is a sign of a 'bug' in the symbolic make-up of language, as well as a self-correcting mechanism for such bugs. Once the problem in meaning has been described through a joke, people immediately begin correcting their impressions of the symbols that have been mocked. This is why jokes are often funny only when told the first time.Some claim that humour cannot or should not be explained. Author E.B. White once said that "Humor can be dissected as a frog can, but the thing dies in the process and the innards are discouraging to any but the pure scientific mind." However, attempts to do just that have been made, such as this one:Perhaps the essence of humour lies in the presentation of something familiar to a person, so they think they know the natural follow-on thought or conclusion, then providing a twist through presentation something different from what the audience expected (see surprise), or else the natural result of interpreting the original situation in a different, less common, way. For example:A man speaks to his doctor after an operation. He says, "Doc, now that the surgery is done, will I be able to play the piano?" The doctor replies, "Of course!" The man says, "Good, because I couldn't before!"''For this reason also, many jokes work in threes. For instance, a class of jokes exists beginning with the formulaic line "A priest, a rabbi, and a lawyer are sitting in a bar..." (or close variations on this). Typically, the priest will make a remark, the rabbi will continue in the same vein, and then the lawyer will make a third point that forms a sharp break from the established pattern, but nonetheless forms a logical (or at least stereotypical) response.Notable studies of humour have come from the pens of Aristotle in ''The Poetics'' (Part V), of Sigmund Freud in ''Jokes and Their Relation to the Unconscious'' and of Schopenhauer. The French philosopher Henri Bergson wrote an essay on "the meaning of the comic", in which he viewed the essence of humour as the encrustation of the mechanical upon the living. He used as an instance a book by an English humorist, in which an elderly woman who desired a reputation as a philanthropist provided "homes within easy hail of her mansion for the conversion of atheists who have been specially manufactured for her, so to speak, and for a number of honest folk who have been made into drunkards so that she may cure them of their failing, etc." This idea seems funny because a genuine impulse of charity as a living, vital impulse has become encrusted by a mechanical conception of how it should manifest itself. A Bergsonian might explain puns in the same spirit. Puns classify words not by what lives (their meaning) but by mechanics (their mere sound).There also exist linguistic and psycholinguistic studies of humour, irony, parody and pretence. Prominent theoreticians in this field include Raymond Gibbs, Herbert Clark, Willibald Ruch, Victor Raskin, Eliot Oring, and Salvatore Attardo.Users of some psychoactive drugs tend to find humour in many more situations and events than one normally would.One notable trait of Australians (perhaps inherited from the British) lies in their use of deadpan humour, in which the joker will make an outrageous or ridiculous statement without giving any explicit signs of joking. Americans visiting Australia have gained themselves a reputation for gullibility and a lack of a sense of humour by not recognising that tales of kangaroos hopping across the Sydney Harbour Bridge exemplify the propensity for this style of leg-pulling.A number of science fiction writers have explored the theory of humour. In Stranger in a Strange Land, Robert A. Heinlein proposes that humour comes from pain, and that laughter is a mechanism to keep us from crying. Isaac Asimov, on the other hand, proposes (in his first jokebook, Treasury of Humor) that the essence of humour is anticlimax: an abrupt change in point of view, in which trivial matters are suddenly elevated in importance above those that would normally be far more important.

Humour formula - Required components:

some surprise, contradiction, ambiguity or paradox.

appealing to feelings or to emotions.

similar to reality, but not realMethods:

metaphor

hyperbole

reframing

timing

See also -

black comedy

clowns

comedy and comedians

comedy film

comics (also known as funnies)

crime fictionhumour in crime fiction

Internet humour

irony

jokes, including anti-jokes, in-jokes, and meta-jokes

laughter

Mark Twain Prize for American Humor

mathematical joke

political satire

practical jokes and pranks

professional humour, e.g. lawyer jokes

ribaldry

surreal humour

toilet humour

The Daily Show(satirical comedy)

Humour by nationality

* British humour

* Canadian humour

* Hungarian humour

* Jewish humour

* Romanian humour

* Russian humour

* New Zealand humour

References -

Mobbs, D., Greicius, M.D., Abdel-Azim, E., Menon, V. & Reiss, A. L. ''Humor modulates the mesolimbic reward centers''. neuron.org - Neuron, 40, 1041 - 1048, (2003).

External links -

etext.lib.virginia.edu - ''Dictionary of the History of ideas'': Sense of the Comic

Recreation/Humor/ name=Humor

facstaff.uww.edu - Humor reference guide: a comprehensive classification and analysis

JokeTheMonkey.com - Joke The Monkey Humor Site: Various Type of Humor. Jokes, Images, Videos, Satire.

!achancetosoundoff.blogspot.com - Is It Me?: A daily posting of humorous, thought provoking commentaries

howtobefunny.net - How to be Funny: Creating various types of humor and developing the humour sense.Category:Humor !cs:Humorda:Humorde:Humores:Hum oreo:Humurofr:Humourhr:Humorhe :הומורhu:Humornl:Humorja: ユーモアpl:Humorpt:Humorru :Юморsr:Хуморfi:Huumo risv:Humor DEBUG REDIRECT (humour)

The Candy Wrapper Museum
Where wrappers are to be enjoyed as art, nostalgia, and humor.
http://www.candywrappermuseum.com/

schwabissimo-die schwäbische Homepage
Die schwäbischen Momente im Netz - Schwaben, schwäbischer Dialekt, Humor und Geschichte(n)
http://www.petermangold.de/

FurryMagic
Anthropomorphic writing mixing fantasy, adventure, mystery and romance with plenty of humour.
http://www.furrymagic.org/

KönnyűBúvár.Hu
KönnyűBúvár.Hu * új és használt búvárfelszerelések adása-vétele on-line * webáruház * állásbörze * búvárutak * akciók * képeslapküldés * merülőtárs-kereső * fotógalériák * leírások * fórumok
http://www.konnyubuvar.hu/

Thorsten Helbings Schmoekerrunde
Geschichten, Gedichte und Gedanken - das beste Futter für Leseratten! Stories, Poetry and Thoughts - The best for fun with reading.
http://www.schmoekerrunde.de/

Chámalle X
Chámalle X es un blog que ofrece links cuidadosamente seleccionados y distribuidos en categorías, para que navegar por internet sea un placer. La sección de entrevistas permite conocer mejor a autores de otras bitácoras, escritores, músicos, artistas, deportistas, publicistas, emprendedores e incluso quién sabe si a políticos...
http://www.chamallex.com/

The German Joke of the Day
Proper jokes with matching punchlines. Germany's foremost authorities on correct humor engineering.
http://www.german-jokes.com/

Online Poker Jokes, Poker Joke Contest - Hold em Humor
Your source for Poker Humor, Read Online Poker Jokes for Free or enter the Hold em Humor Poker Joke Contest.
http://www.holdemhumor.com/

Pannekake.com
Ungdomsweb
http://www.pannekake.com/

Chicfun
Free site dedicated to erotic and sarcastic adult humor with a touch of design.
http://www.chicfun.com/

Christian Life Stories
Heart warming, motivational, & inspirational Christian poems,stories, and jokes.
http://www.christianlifestories.com/

Die grosse Chauvi-Seite.de
Für echte Männer
http://www.imperium.de/chauvi

Marmalad.com
This is a Bulgarian humorous web site.
http://www.marmalad.com/

Accessing The Wisdom of the Ages
Senior 2 Senior is your senior citizen, caregiver connection. We are a non-profit devoted to making your life easier, regardless of your temperament, age or condition.
http://www.senior2senior.org/

Junk Brothers News
Funny Junk You Didn't Know.
http://www.junkbrosnews.com/

Rev. Lowell's Inspiration and Humor
Reminisces about growing up in Chicago in the 'forties. Touching moments with dogs, cats, and horses. Jokes, fun, and laughts galore. the pleasures and perils of Christian ministry.
http://www.revlowell.com/

Zafara
Portal que trata de ser independiente ..
http://www.zafara.com/

Barcala - Dibujante - Ilustrador
Ilustracion humoristica y realista. Obra original, publicidad, editorial y todo tipo de trabajos por encargo. Especializado en animales.
http://www.ebarcala.com/

Boogie Mamma ska band
Third-wave ska band from Hungary. Their music is exciting mix of ska, reggae, rock, punk, tango, swing, blues etc. Boogie Mamma's gigs are strange theatres whit lots of humour.
http://www.boogiemamma.hu/

Southern Muse
Art, history and southern humor from the mountains of North Georgia, as presented by the artist, D.K. Pritchett.
http://www.southernmuse.com/

Chris Vaughn
Chris Vaughn is a motivating-humorist, who can deliver an inspiring, motivating, keynote to your group - that is not only fun and hilarious... but embedded with eternal principles that are applicable to every member of the audience, or their age.
http://www.chrisvaughn.net/

The Athenaeum
The Athenaeum @ xenafiction.net is a huge index of lesbian fiction, fiction related websites, and author resources. The site contains thousands of original works as well as fan fiction works based on the TV series Xena: Warrior Princess. The Athenaeum is fully searchable by author, title, genre, audience, as well as several other categories. New authors welcome.
http://www.xenafiction.net/

Art of Twan de Vos
Twan,s work is always about people, their feelings, but primarily their underlying relationships. The subjects are commonplace and are illustrated in an open humorous manner. He makes colorful paintings, linocus, silkscreens and sculptures. Each painting is a collage of diary pages from different periodes. Motto's inspired by the 1970's appear on current issues. He says on this ...feelings are timeless.
http://www.twandevos.nl

Humor na Net
One the biggest humor websites in portuguese. But if you don't understand that language, don't worry, there is many material multi-language. Be cool, be happy.
http://www.humornanet.pt/

The Flash Diva
Taylor Proffitt's flash animation website, featuring short toons created for FOX Interactive Media. Best known for dancing singing babies, political parodies and Groovin' Granny.
http://www.theflashdiva.com/

The London Clinic
The London Clinic is a confidential and private place where you can safely explore yourself and your concerns. Dr. London provides a warm and comfortable atmosphere in which you can heal from pain, learn new skills, improve relationships, conquer addictions, or better understand depression, anxiety or trauma.
http://www.drlondon.net/

Piada.com
Site de humor, diversão e entretenimento, com piadas, vídeos, trotes, webcards e jogos online. Atualização diária!
http://www.piada.com/

Allyn Ball
Allyn's comedy is unique and relevant to modern life. Billed as the suburban punk, Allyn's style is best related by saying, Those who pay attention are rewarded.
http://www.allynball.com/

Grappige Filmpjes
Grappige filmpjes, moppen, funny pic's, powerpoint's, funstuf, grappige filmpjes. Meer dan 500 moppen en honderden filmpjes en powerpoint's.
http://www.more-fun.nl/

www.ansaman.com
A site dedicated to humor, satire, and fun. The Annual Gurning Contests are particularly notable.
http://www.ansaman.com/

www.fortune500comedy.com
Award Winning Comedian and Speaker, Peter The Humorator Fogel can perform or speak at your next corporate event? Sign up for his Humor This! Ezine and receive FREE the e-book Effective Workplace Humor That'll Give Your Company a Strong ROIL (Return of Infectious Laughter)
http://www.fortune500comedy.com/

HeyLady.com
Comedy website.
http://www.heylady.com/

Doug Stevenson's Story Theater International
The Story Theater Method is a unique storytelling technology that teaches people how to use strategic storyteling to make a point, teach a lesson or sell a product or service.
http://www.storytheater.net/

The Rising Pun
The humor of Seth Brown. Columns, books, blog entries, and random mischief.
http://www.risingpun.com/

The Game Master - Games for everyone
Publisher of Boardgames The Game Master selects only the best games for you. We select from a large number of game ideas and existing games which games qualify for a market introduction. We use 12 different criteria in order to keep the quality of the games and the gameplay on a very high level. Each game must be fun to play! The Game Master develops parlour games for all people and every occassion. The young and elderly are excited by our games. You do not have to be a gamelover to play our games. The rules of the game are easy to understand. Please enjoy our games on vacation and during the long winters. It should not come to you as a surprise, because the mission of The Game Master is: Games for everyone!
http://www.thegamemaster.nl/

Servant of the Lord: Online!
Central Virginia's Premier Christian Online Service
http://www.sotl.org/

witzige, beeindruckende und kuriose Bilder und Texte
Tauchen Sie ein in eine Welt voller Humor und vieler Rätsel. Über Informationen und Fotos, die beeindruckend, witzig, kurios, unglaublich oder erstaunlich sind, werden Sie staunen, aber auch lachen.
http://www.beeindruckendes.de/

Discussion Forums US
Relax, meet new friends, discuss life and the world we live in. News, Health, Diet, Food, Crime Stories, Beauty, Fashion and Much more. Arcade Games too!
http://www.discussionforums.us/

lachyoga.com
A website about Laughter Yoga or Lachyoga in German from one of the key people in Germany Robert W. L. Butt - one of the only people who spent time with the founder-Dr. Kataria in Mumbai, at his home learning the principles and techniques on a one on one basis. Webseiten von einer der Schlüssel Personen von der Deutschen Lachyoga Bewegung und eine der Einzigen der Dr. Kataria aufgesucht hat um direkt von Ihm in einzel Training in Mumbai zu lernen. Dieser Webseiten beschreiben die Gesundheitlichen Vorteile des Lachyoga, terminen, Seminar und Workshop Angebot sowie Lebenslauf von Robert Butt
http://www.lachyoga.com/

Echte Volksmusik bei Bogner Records - Echte Volksmusik, volkstümliche Musik und Schlager - authentic bavarina folk
Echte Volksmusik, Volkstümliche Musik, Volkslieder, Tonstudio, Vertrieb, Musikverlag, Musik Produktion, Schlager, Blasmusik, Jazz, Swing, Tradition, Stubenmusik, Saitenmusik, Bayern, bavaria, folk, authentic
http://www.echte-volksmusik.com/

Serious Kidding: Creative Consultant, Political Humor, Songwriter
Grant William Brad Gerver writes Shot Off The Press. He is a longtime published political humorist and acoustic blues singer - songwriter. Grant specializes in humorous one-liners and all-around terse verse writing.
http://www.seriouskidding.com

Comedy Writing Pros
A staff of the best comedy writers is waiting to help you be funny! Whether you're a comedian or just need to get some laughs for a business event, speech, roast or special occasion, we'll tailor the material to suit you!
http://www.comedywritingpros.com/

C u t e f u n p a g e s . c o m
Free Animated & Musical Greeting Cards, Fun Pages, Jokes, Games!
http://www.cutefunpages.com

Italian comic strips The site
The italian comic strips website, funny comics page on italian newspapers, cartoonists offer their comic panels to press
http://www.lastriscia.net/

fealasy.com
Home of the ugly, dumb and deadly.
http://www.fealasy.com/

attitude.com.pk
Site for fun lovers. Cricket, hollywood n bollywood stuffs, music, poetries and more..
http://attitude.com.pk/

Humor.com
Comedians, Interviews, Jokes, Articles, News, Horoscopes, Cartoons, Video, Comics, Games, Contests, Chat, and Funny Gifts.
http://www.humor.com/

Humor Search
Search the web for humorous content.
http://www.humorsearch.com/

The Onion
A satitical newspaper lambasting current events and popular cultures.
http://www.theonion.com/

College Humor
Humor intended for college aged students.
http://www.collegehumor.com/