Actually, what is it that makes something funny, and why do we laugh? Is it a certain degree of relief or if not... what else?
2007-04-29 06:29:00 · 18 answers · asked by incogno 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Irony is, at its core; cruel, but it is ridiculously cruel. It is a ridiculous statement or position that on the surface appears legitimate; but, when taken to its ultimate conclusion, is obviously insane. Outlandish statements or behavior create momentary tension which is relieved by laughter. Jokes create a similar tension with identical results.
2007-04-29 06:39:43 · answer #1 · answered by Sophist 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Irony is an "acquired" humor. Not everyone gets it. Those that notice the "surprise" from what is to be expected, can sometimes see the humor.
H. W. Fowler, in Modern English Usage, had this to say of irony:
Irony is a form of utterance that postulates a double audience, consisting of one party that hearing shall hear & shall not understand, & another party that, when more is meant than meets the ear, is aware both of that more & of the outsiders’ incomprehension.
2007-04-29 06:39:52 · answer #2 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes laughter is a relief, and the reason why irony is funny is because its explainable but yet it makes no logical sense. a lot of funny jokes are the same thing, its explainable but yet makes no logic, and laughter is our relief from this illogical and unexplainable world.
2007-04-29 06:34:17 · answer #3 · answered by Mark F 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
irony isn't always funny, sometimes we laugh when we are nervous, scared or happy. . Laughter can be spontaneous, sometimes we have to think about the situation before we see a funny side.
2007-04-29 11:05:42 · answer #4 · answered by jane m 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Irony exists when something unexpected happens, something contrary to expectations, so if a weightlifter grabs a 280 pound barbel and lifts it over his head, that might be impressive but it's not ironic. If the same weightlifter grabs a 250 pound barbel, tries to lift it and then rips his shorts, that's ironic (and funny) although it's not impressive.
2007-04-29 06:34:18 · answer #5 · answered by holacarinados 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is a theory, unproven but accepted as possibly valid, that every time we laugh, a new connection in our brain is made. This would explain why we only find jokes funny once, and why babies find more things funny.
2007-04-29 08:53:00 · answer #6 · answered by Saoirse 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
jumbo shrimp semi boneless ham "i want a sturdy recipe for liver pudding" being asked in cooking section now, LOL i do no longer understand if its Ironic yet once you spot a 'ordinary' drugs advert in a magizine like for a snooze help and then examine the website of edge effects, from psychological themes to dying....who would desire to sleep understanding that!
2016-10-04 02:24:16 · answer #7 · answered by bebber 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not attempt to answer the 'phone whilst doing the ironing. Ouch!
2007-04-29 06:46:11 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Monkeys laugh when one of them falls out of a tree; relieved that it's not them. It gets more complex after that- Have you got four or five days to spare?
2007-04-29 06:34:54 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Irony is understated, not like sarcasm which is harsh.
2007-04-29 09:02:44 · answer #10 · answered by Beau Brummell 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋