Humour

Humour is a complex phenomenon that is an integral part of human life. It is a form of communication that elicits laughter and provides amusement. The term derives from the humoral medicine of the ancient Greeks, which taught that the balance of fluids in the human body, known as humours, controlled human health and emotion.

Definition

Humour can be defined as a quality of action, speech, or writing, which excites amusement; a sense of the ludicrous or absurdly incongruous. In a broader sense, humour is anything that makes one laugh or feel amused. It is often associated with a pleasant and entertaining mood or disposition.

Theories of Humour

There are several theories of humour including the Superiority Theory, Incongruity Theory, and the Relief Theory.

• The Superiority Theory suggests that people laugh at the misfortune or stupidity of others as they feel superior to them.
• The Incongruity Theory posits that humour arises when logic and familiarity are replaced by things that don't normally go together.
• The Relief Theory is the idea that laughter is a release of tension and that humour serves as a psychological mechanism to reduce physical stress.

Humour and Health

Humour has been found to have several benefits on health. It can reduce stress, increase pain tolerance, and improve overall physical health. It also has positive effects on mental health, as it can lead to a more positive outlook, greater resilience, and an improved ability to cope with difficult situations.

Humour in Culture

Humour varies greatly from culture to culture. What is considered funny in one culture may not be considered so in another. This is due to differences in societal norms, traditions, and values. Despite these differences, humour is a universal human experience and plays a significant role in all cultures.

See Also

• Comedy
• Laughter
• Joke
• Satire

References

Humour Resources
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