A Few Good Laughs at a Funeral: Incongruity Theory of Humor Communication

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Humor communication is omnipresent in our everyday lives. A universal communication tool, we demonstrate humor with our family and romantic partners, with our friends and coworkers, and sometimes even with those we have just met (DiCioccio, 2015). Humor is a complex mechanism that has the potential to engage, entertain, shock, and even horrify others all with the same message (DiCioccio, 2012). When used purposefully, humor communication can influence the direction and state of an interaction, and impact, in the long term, the quality of an interpersonal relationship and the satisfaction of the partners involved (Martin & Lefcourt, 1983). Understanding the intricacies of humor, and how it works to elicit a desired response, is valuable not only to those who study this communication phenomenon, but to all who strive to use humor appropriately.