Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Top 10 Types of Humor
- Laughter is the Best Medicine
- Final Thoughts
A dragon would never explode, but a dino might. It’s such a silly joke, but when I first came across it, it was dumb enough that it still made me laugh. We know laughter is the best medicine, so how can it help you, specifically for your mental health? What is your type of humor? I have been able to use humor in my own life to be able to calm myself in stressful situations.
Top 10 Types of Humor
While humor is highly subjective, the following Top 10 types of humor are generally considered the most widely recognized and effective, often appearing in stand-up, sitcoms, movies, and everyday interactions. These types resonate with a broad range of people for their relatability, versatility, or ability to push boundaries.
1. Observational Humor
Why it’s popular: It’s based on the everyday absurdities of life, making it highly relatable. It’s often delivered in a casual, conversational tone.
Examples: Jerry Seinfeld, Louis C.K.
Quote: “Have you ever noticed that when you blow in a dog’s face, he gets mad at you, but when you take him in a car, he’s like, ‘This is awesome!’?”
2. Self-Deprecating Humor
Why it’s popular: People find it endearing when someone can laugh at themselves. It’s also great for making a comedian or character more relatable.
Examples: The Office (Michael Scott), stand-up comedians like Sarah Silverman, John Mulaney
Quote: “I’m not saying I’m ugly, but I did get a lot of rejection letters from the mirror.”
3. Sarcasm
Why it’s popular: It involves saying one thing but meaning the opposite, often with a sharp tone. It can be used to mock or express irony in a witty way.
Examples: Chandler Bing (Friends), The Simpsons
Quote: “Oh, great. Another meeting. Just what I needed today.”
4. Slapstick
Why it’s popular: Physical comedy can be timeless, especially in movies and TV where exaggerated actions lead to comically unfortunate events.
Examples: The Three Stooges, Charlie Chaplin, Jim Carrey (Ace Ventura)
Quote: (Nothing spoken—just a pie to the face.)
5. Dark Humor
Why it’s popular: It takes taboo or serious topics (like death or tragedy) and presents them in a way that is both uncomfortable and funny. This type of humor can be highly divisive but effective in the right context.
Examples: BoJack Horseman, Dr. Strangelove, The Addams Family
Quote: “I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.”
6. Irony
Why it’s popular: The humor emerges from the unexpected twists in situations, where outcomes don’t align with expectations. It’s often used in a subtle or sophisticated way.
Examples: The Office, Fargo
Quote: “The fire station burned down. Well, that’s ironic.”
7. Wordplay (Puns)
Why it’s popular: Wordplay is clever, light-hearted, and often funny because it takes advantage of language’s multiple meanings and sounds.
Examples: Weird Al Yankovic, Shakespeare, The Big Bang Theory
Quote: “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.”
8. Parody
Why it’s popular: This humor comes from poking fun at popular culture, often by exaggerating well-known traits of movies, music, celebrities, or entire genres. It’s funny because it plays with something familiar.
Examples: Scary Movie series, Spaceballs, Weird Al Yankovic’s music videos
Quote: “The difference between a good movie and a bad movie is that one tries to be good, and the other one tries to be a parody of a good movie.”
9. Absurdist Humor
Why it’s popular: This type of humor is based on the ridiculous and surreal. It’s great for when audiences enjoy nonsensical, random, or seemingly illogical situations.
Examples: Monty Python’s Flying Circus, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Adult Swim
Quote: “Why do we park in driveways and drive on parkways?”
10. Character Humor
Why it’s popular: Humor based on the quirks, flaws, and distinctive traits of a character. This type of humor can be situational or verbal but relies heavily on how the character behaves.
Examples: The Office (Dwight Schrute, Michael Scott), Arrested Development (Gob Bluth)
Quote: “I am Beyoncé, always.” – Michael Scott, The Office
These Top 10 types of humor cover a broad spectrum, ranging from the relatable and observational to the dark and absurd. They’ve been used across countless platforms, from stand-up and sitcoms to movies and memes, showing their lasting appeal.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
The phrase, “Laughter is the best medicine” is widely known. It is also a proven point in science that laughter and humor are good for your health. Here are some of the best types of humor for your mental health.
1. Self-Deprecating Humor
Why it’s great for mental health:
Self-deprecating humor involves laughing at your own quirks and imperfections, which can help reduce feelings of shame or self-criticism. It allows you to embrace vulnerability and see yourself in a lighter, more compassionate way. It’s also a great tool for building resilience because it teaches you not to take yourself too seriously, even during tough times.
How it helps:
- Reduces stress by diffusing tension.
- Increases self-acceptance and compassion.
- Promotes emotional flexibility, helping you bounce back from mistakes or setbacks.
Example: “I’m not saying I’m bad at cooking, but my smoke detector is my biggest fan.”
2. Observational Humor
Why it’s great for mental health:
Observational humor helps you laugh at the everyday absurdities and contradictions of life. By noticing and poking fun at small, relatable moments, it helps you reframe stressful situations with a lighter perspective. It also fosters mindfulness by encouraging you to be present and aware of the little details around you.
How it helps:
- Reduces stress and anxiety by finding humor in everyday moments.
- Increases mindfulness and awareness of your surroundings.
- Strengthens social connections through shared observations.
Example: “Have you ever noticed that when you’re looking for something, you can never find it until you stop looking for it?”
3. Positive or Uplifting Humor
Why it’s great for mental health:
Positive humor focuses on joy, optimism, and lighthearted moments. It can help shift your mood, especially during tough times, by promoting feelings of happiness and relaxation. Laughing at things that make you feel good—like silly jokes, uplifting humor, or innocent wordplay—can increase endorphins and reduce stress, creating a more positive outlook.
How it helps:
- Boosts mood and increases happiness.
- Promotes relaxation by reducing tension.
- Strengthens social bonds by sharing joyful moments with others.
Example: “I’m on a seafood diet. I see food and I eat it!”
Why These Are the Best for Mental Health:
- Self-deprecating humor helps you build self-acceptance and resilience by allowing you to laugh at yourself without judgment.
- Observational humor brings attention to the humor in everyday life, which can reduce stress and make you feel more connected to others.
- Positive humor directly uplifts your mood and creates a sense of well-being, which is key for combating negative feelings or low energy.
These types of humor are accessible, healthy, and effective tools for maintaining mental balance, reducing anxiety, and creating a more optimistic mindset.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, humor isn’t just about cracking jokes—it’s a secret weapon for your mental health! Whether it’s self-deprecating humor that helps you laugh at your own mistakes, observational humor that shows you how funny life can be, or positive humor that helps you feel happy, each type can help you deal with stress and feel better overall. By adding more laughs to your day, you can reduce anxiety, make stronger connections with others, and bounce back from tough situations. So, next time you’re feeling down, just remember: laughter really is the best medicine—it might be just what you need to turn things around!