Laughter is a universal language that connects people and enlivens our experiences, yet it has puzzled thinkers for ages. What makes one person laugh at a witty pun while another bursts into laughter over a clumsy fall?
There are different sociological and psychological theories of humor that examine how concepts like superiority, relief, and incongruity contribute to amusement.
These theories reveal why certain scenarios, no matter how absurd, can trigger laughter. So, why do we laugh?
The Superiority Theory
The Superiority Theory suggests that humor originates from a sense of dominance over others. In this view, laughter serves to underscore another’s shortcomings. This concept traces back to philosophers like Plato and Hobbes, who considered laughter as an expression of triumph.
For instance, witnessing someone slip on a banana peel might make the observer laugh, not out of cruelty but because the incident temporarily elevates the observer’s status. Plus, it’s a proof that even fruit can have a vendetta against human dignity. This principle is evident in comedic insults or roasts, which are humorous as they highlight flaws, whether real or exaggerated.
Modern television relies on this theory too. Sitcoms like The Office use characters’ awkward or inept behaviors to encourage viewers to chuckle, feeling less inept themselves in the process.
The Relief Theory
The Relief Theory emphasizes how humor functions to release psychological tension. According to Sigmund Freud, who developed this idea, laughter is an emotional release tool. In situations filled with discomfort, such as an inappropriate remark at a formal event, a nervous laugh can dissipate tension before it escalates.
Likewise, humor that touches on taboo topics often elicits laughter, as it gives individuals a chance to face social anxieties without real consequences. Jokes at funerals or in stressful times can feel surprisingly comforting. Is there a better coping mechanism than laughing while holding back tears?
Even slapstick comedy, like Charlie Chaplin’s near misses with disaster, provokes laughter. The tension builds, only to be resolved, leaving people amused and relieved.
The Incongruity Theory
The Incongruity Theory posits that humor arises from unexpected situations—a clash of ideas or outcomes that defy conventional logic. Instead of following anticipated patterns, it thrives on the element of surprise. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant and Arthur Schopenhauer advocated for this theory, suggesting that laughter emerges when a mismatch between expectations and reality is detected.
An example is the joke, “Why don’t skeletons fight? They don’t have the guts.” The punchline surprises listeners, creating humor. In daily life, visual gags such as a dog wearing sunglasses or absurd double entendres find their humor rooted in this theory. The true allure lies in the mental shift as the brain attempts to resolve the anomaly, eventually delighting in its absurdity.
The Benign Violation Theory
This theory claims that humor occurs when a scenario is wrong yet safe. If an event is too offensive, it deters; if too mild, it bores. However, when it achieves the perfect balance—akin to Goldilocks—it evokes laughter.
Imagine someone slipping on ice and regaining balance dramatically. While the act involves physical risk, the lack of injury renders it benign.
Dark humor often treads this fine line; for instance, a joke about an awkward doctor’s visit may succeed because it straddles discomfort without inciting outrage. Like the one where the doctor says, “I have good news and bad news. The good news is, you have 24 hours to live. The bad news? I forgot to call you yesterday.” It’s simultaneously unsettling and bizarrely funny. Timing, context, and sensitivity determine whether a violation feels “safe” enough to provoke laughter.
The Social Function of Laughter
Laughter transcends mere punchlines, and it acts as a social glue that fortifies group cohesion through shared understanding. Inside jokes, for instance, cultivate a sense of exclusivity and tighten relationships. Evidence indicates that laughter occurs more frequently in group settings than in solitude, implying its role is more about togetherness than sheer amusement.
Consider the collective experience of stand-up comedy, where group laughter elevates the enjoyment. Laughter also eases tensions, balances emotions, and preserves relationships. It serves as a societal reset mechanism, akin to an air freshener, and maintains harmony during awkward intervals.
Why Do We Find Things Funny?
Humor often flourishes because it manipulates our expectations and engages with shared experiences, or it defies norms in peculiar ways. It isn’t merely a result of culture or biology; rather, it’s a mixture of perception and context.
Puns entertain because they make the brain juggle dual meanings. Observational comedy amuses because it reflects mundane truths we’ve ignored.
Even in situations of embarrassment or irony, laughter acts as a cognitive shortcut, helping us navigate contradictions with ease. At its core, humor surprises and connects, bringing relief, insight, or a fresh perspective on the familiar.