Humour

Humour is the tendency of certain experiences to provoke laughter and amusement.

Most people possess a sense of humour, meaning they can be amused by jokes or puns. A person lacking this sense might find funny behaviour to be irrational or strange. While personal taste is subjective, several variables influence what one finds funny. These include geographical location, culture, maturity, and education. Intelligence and the specific social context also play significant roles in how we respond to comedy.

Many theories attempt to explain why humour exists and how it functions. Psychological theories often suggest that humour-induced behaviour is very healthy for humans. Spiritual theories may view humour as a gift from God. Some thinkers consider it an unexplainable mystery, similar to a mystical experience. One specific idea is the benign-violation theory, endorsed by Peter McGraw. This theory posits that humour occurs when something seems wrong or threatening, but simultaneously feels safe or acceptable.

This mechanism can help people engage in social interaction by reducing awkwardness.

Humour has a deep history rooted in ancient Greek medicine. The term comes from the concept of "humours," which were body fluids believed to control health and emotion. In ancient Greece, Plato and Socrates discussed the essence of the ridiculous. Aristotle later suggested that humour involves an ugliness that does not cause disgust. In ancient India, the Natya Shastra defined humour, or hāsyam, as one of nine principle rasas. These are emotional responses inspired by bhavas, which are imitations of emotions performed by actors.

Different cultures have developed unique ways to use and view humour. In the medieval Islamic world, scholars like Al-Farabi and Avicenna studied comedy. They often linked it to hija, which is a form of satirical poetry. In China, Confucian traditions sometimes viewed humour as subversive or unseemly. However, joke books containing puns and wordplay remained popular for centuries.

Modern Chinese humour is now shaped by indigenous traditions and foreign influences like the internet. In the Caribbean, performers like Lord Flea noted that wit can shine even in solemn songs.

Sociological factors also determine how different styles of humour are accepted. Comedy has been used for entertainment in many settings, from Western royal courts to Far Eastern villages. Some people use wit and sarcasm to display social etiquette or intelligence. The social transformation model explains how humour can change perceptions. This model involves a link between the humourist, the audience, and the subject matter. It suggests that humour is adaptive, communicating a person's desire to be accepted into a social group.

One specific type of this is self-deprecating humour, where a person makes fun of themselves. While this communicates weakness or fallibility, it can actually increase romantic attraction. Research shows that humour is a highly valued trait in romantic partners. In the mid-20th century, American college students saw humour as a crucial characteristic. Later, British students ranked humour and honesty as the two most important attributes in a partner.

Humour often becomes more important as a relationship grows more committed.

Interestingly, there is a complex relationship between humour and perceived intelligence. While many find humorous people attractive, others may perceive them as less intellectual. In some studies, women chose funny men as partners even when they rated them as less intelligent. However, women tended to rate humorous men more highly for serious relationships or marriage, provided the men were also physically attractive. This shows that humour is a powerful tool for social connection and desirability, even when it carries complex social signals.