Humor studies: a few definitions

Abstract

This chapter opens the first part of the book on humor studies (chapters 1-5). It addresses the persistent problem in humor studies of terminological definition. It explain why there has been a consensus on using the term “humor” as an umbrella term subsuming all forms of humor (joke, irony, ridicule, mockery, wit, whim, puns, etc.). It further establishes the fundamental distinction between humor, mirth, and laughter/smiling, which are respectively the stimulus, emotional response, and physical response. It further distinguishes verbal and linguistic humor and meta-humor. A section also outlines the history of the field of humor studies.