Definition & Target
Humor is the quality that enables a person to perceive, enjoy, or express what is funny. It is a broad concept that can be found in various contexts, including serious situations. Humor can arise spontaneously in everyday life and is not always intentional; sometimes, it can be accidental. News, conversations, and even tragedies can contain elements of humor.
Examples: A witty remark in a conversation.
Comedy is a structured form of artistic expression intended to provoke laughter or amusement, often found in theater, film, literature, or performance. It is crafted with the specific goal of being funny and typically follows a script or a specific format, often employing a setup-punchline rhythm. Comedy is usually performed for an audience by professionals or performers.
Examples: A stand-up routine by Mr. Bin.
Natural vs. Fabricated
Humor can arise naturally from quirks in human behavior, slips of language, or absurd coincidences. In contrast, comedy is often crafted as an art form that employs storytelling techniques, exaggeration, satire, timing, and structure to elicit laughter.
Example:
Humor: A dog wearing sunglasses at the beach, acting like a relaxed surfer, is funny because it’s unexpected and resembles human behavior.
Comedy: A cartoon where the same dog is a lifeguard with a dramatic rescue storyline, filled with punchlines to make you laugh.
Philosophical Perspective
Humor is associated with incongruity, the perception of something that contradicts expectations. It does not have to be dramatic; it can be in the form of thought, irony, or absurdity. It can also have depth or compassion, which is not the case with many comedies.
Comedy is a dramatic form that imitates people and actions that are considered inferior, with the primary goal of evoking laughter. It often depicts people who strictly adhere to social norms, which makes their behavior funny.
Psychological Perspective
Humor acts as a psychological coping mechanism, aiding in the processing of grief, trauma, and embarrassment. It often reflects a person’s intelligence, resilience, or worldview. Humor encompasses various types: Affiliative, Self-enhancing, Aggressive, and Self-defeating.
Comedy often incorporates elements such as exaggeration, timing, and delivery to elicit laughter. It is viewed as externalized humor that is intended to be seen, heard, and reacted to by others.
Personal vs. Performative
Humor can be dry, absurd, or offbeat. It can vary significantly from person to person, as it is essentially a personal matter. There can be different types of humor from person to person, such as dry, absurd, or offbeat, each appealing to different tastes and preferences. Understanding these variations can enhance our appreciation for the expression of humor.
Comedy is a performative art form specifically designed to cater to the audience’s preferences. It is presented, and the platform used, such as television, stage, and TikTok, is considered.
Example:
Humor: A funny friend makes a clever remark during a meeting.
Comedy: A picture that makes fun of a boring meeting by using extra characters.
Practical Differences: When to Use Which
In Conversation: Humor can arise spontaneously, reduce tension, and reveal a person’s personality.
In Writing: Include humor when creating a narrative or scene intended for entertainment.
In Persuasion: Humor makes ideas more relevant and can help reduce resistance. However, when overused, humor can become distracting. |