Black Humor (Noun)
Meaning
The juxtaposition of morbid and farcical elements (in writing or drama) to give a disturbing effect.
Classification
Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.
Examples
- The playwright's use of black humor in the script added a layer of complexity to the tragic storyline, making it both uncomfortable and thought-provoking.
- The comedian's stand-up routine relied heavily on black humor, often leaving the audience laughing awkwardly at jokes about death and disease.
- The novel's dark themes were tempered by the author's use of black humor, which added a sense of irony and irreverence to the narrative.
- The film's offbeat tone was largely due to its employment of black humor, which juxtaposed slapstick comedy with scenes of graphic violence.
- The satire's black humor was biting and incisive, using absurdity and ridicule to criticize the absurdity of modern society.