Humor genres
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Humor can be classified into different genres based on the source or topic of humor, how it is delivered, or the context, i.e., when, where, or how it is delivered. Some categories and subcategories can easily overlap. The list below is not necessarily exhaustive or complete, but lists the more common types.
| Type | Explanation | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Anecdotal humor | Based on stories or told as a story, whether real, embellished, or fictional | Many stand-up comedy routines |
| Topical humor | Based on particular themes and topics, such as current events | Mock the Week (UK TV show) |
| Observational / situational humor | Observations and insights about ordinary topics, including otherwise normal or trivial matters, and daily life | Seinfeld |
| Satire | ||
| Parody / spoof | ||
| Sarcasm | ||
| Dry / deadpan humor | ||
| Surreal humor, absurd humor | Humor based on absurd or strange situations, strange juxtapositions of unrelated things, illogical outcomes, or defying audience expectations (e.g., jokes with unrelated punchlines) | Monty Python |
| Highbrow / intellectual humor, academic humor | Based on intellectual or sophisticated themes | XKCD (online comic strip) |
| Slapstick / physical humor | ||
| Pranks | ||
| Self-deprecating humor | ||
| Improvisational (improv; e.g., some stand-up comedy) | ||
| Wordplay / wit (besides stupid puns or “Dad jokes”) | ||
| Cringe humor (awkward humor) | This is a relatively newer genre, which is based on situations that are very awkward, e.g., when a character is acting in a very awkward, embarrassing, or socially unacceptable manner | The Office (UK & US version) |
| Dark humor / black humor | Humor based on disturbing subjects, e.g., drugs, suffering or death | |
| Juvenile / sophomoric humor, | Based on childish themes like pranks, insults, and immature behavior or topics
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| Innuendo / double entendre / riskque humor / blue humor |
