The DOI matches its Crossref record.
The game of humor: a comprehensive theory of why we laugh
Abstract
Humor, wit, and laughter surround each person. From everyday quips to the carefully contrived comedy of literature, newspapers, and television we experience humor in many forms, yet the impetus for our laughter is far from innocuous. Misfortune, stupidity, and moral or cultural defects, however faintly revealed in others and ourselves, seem to make us laugh. Although discomforting, such negative terms as superiority, aggression, hostility, ridicule, or degradation can be applied to instances of humor. According to scholars, Thomas Hobbes's theory--that humor arises from mischances, infirmities, and indecencies, where there is no wit at all--applies to most humor. With the exception of play, Charles R. Gruner claims that humor is rarely as innocent as it first appears. Gruner's proposed superiority theory of humor is all-encompassing. In The Game of Humor, he expands the scope of Hobbes's theory to include and explore the contest aspect of good-natured play. As such, the author believes all instances of humor can be examined as games, in terms of competition and keeping score--winners and losers. Gruner draws on a broad spectrum of thought-provoking examples. Holocaust jokes, sexual humor, the racialist dialogue of such comic characters as Stepin Fetchit and Archie Bunker, simple puns, and many of the author's own encounters with everyday humor. Gruner challenges the reader to offer a single example of humor that cannot be de-humorized by its agonistic nature. The Game of Humo…
Overview
Integrity signals
Registry
Cites
Statistics
Verification
Claims the paper makes
Claims other papers make about this one
Each is checked against this paper’s own text: does it say what the citing paper says it does?
In the citing paper
“Despite these limitations, our research supports previous research indicating humor as a means to buffer against death anxiety [22, 70], thereby allowing individuals to reappraise their position as being over and above any challenge; taking back power and control over the given situation [71].”
From When the times get tough the toughs get funny: Means by which humor buffers against death anxiety emerged during COVID-19 outbreak (2022) · cites this paper as [71]
Citations
Cites
Still being checked.
Cited by
Items 201–300 of 377
How Not to Kill the Joke: The 'Frame Problem' and Multiadicity
Hale, A. (2012) · Cited by 2
Pupils’ humour directed at teachers: its types and functions
Šeďová, K. (2013) · Educational Studies · doi:10.1080/03055698.2013.801770 · Cited by 2
Confessions from a Guy Who Teaches Humor
Roth, G. L. (2008) · New Horizons in Adult Education and Human Resource Development · doi:10.1002/nha3.10307 · Cited by 2
Egyptianising Politics/Politicising Egyptians: An analysis of political jokes
Hammoud, D. E. (2014) · IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science · doi:10.9790/0837-19672031 · Cited by 2
McDonald, P. (2009) · Cited by 2
The Punch Line: Transgression and the Dark Side
Plester, B. A. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24669-7_6 · Cited by 2
Wong, A. Y. M. (2010) · Cited by 2
Cross-Cultural Globalization of Advertisements
Allen, J. B., Lee, K. K., & Escalera, E. (2016) · Psi Chi Journal of Psychological Research · doi:10.24839/2164-8204.jn21.2.80 · Cited by 2
An Assessment of EFL Students' Performance in the Area of Linguistics Humorous Texts
Ahmed, B. S. (2019) · Evaluation Study of Three Diagnostic Methods for Helicobacter pylori Infection · doi:10.24271/garmian.196234 · Cited by 2
Márquez, N. P., & García, I. M. (2020) · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja) · Cited by 2
Hietalahti, J. (2021) · The Philosophy of Humor Yearbook · doi:10.1515/phhumyb-2021-001 · Cited by 2
Exploring humour within the PhD experience: a first-hand reflection
Peng, S.-H. L. (2023) · Compass Journal of Learning and Teaching · doi:10.21100/compass.v16i2.1428 · Cited by 2
Humor and mental effort in learning
Tribble, M. K. (2001) · Cited by 2
Pragmatics of Humour in a Nigerian University's Departmental Chat Rooms
Inya, O. (2016) · Advances in linguistics and communication studies · doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-0338-5.ch011 · Cited by 2
Detachment of empathy: a common denominator for two theories of humour
Aharoni, R. (2020) · European Journal of Humour Research · doi:10.7592/ejhr2020.8.1.aharoni · Cited by 2
Tang, X. (2010) · University Libraries (University of Maryland) · Cited by 2
Transformational leadership in higher education lecturing
Mawn, L. (2013) · Bangor University Research Portal (Bangor University) · Cited by 2
Processing of Garden Path Jokes: Theoretical Concepts and Empirical Correlates
Mayerhofer, B. (2015) · doi:10.53846/goediss-4936 · Cited by 2
Execution of a Joke: Types and Functions of Humour
Plester, B. A. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24669-7_3 · Cited by 1
The dialectics of interpersonal relating in a sports team
Hugman, N. (2025) · Pragmatics Quarterly Publication of the International Pragmatics Association (IPrA) · doi:10.1075/prag.24006.hug · Cited by 1
Windy Words in Penelope’s Joking Dream: Odyssey 4.787–841
Turkeltaub, D. (2014) · Helios · doi:10.1353/hel.2014.0000 · Cited by 1
SEX AND INCOME AS FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH EXPOSURE TO JOKES ABOUT THE CLINTON-LEWINSKY CONTROVERSY
Powell, L., & Kitchens, J. T. (1999) · Psychological Reports · doi:10.2466/pr0.1999.84.3.1047 · Cited by 1
What humour tells us about discourse theories
Karande, A. (2006) · Conference of the European Chapter of the Association for Computational Linguistics: Student Research Workshop (EACL SRW) · doi:10.3115/1609039.1609043 · Cited by 1
Friel, P. E. (2004) · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network) · Cited by 1
Exploring the relationship between humor types, innovative work behavior and innovative performance
Atta-Owusu, K. (2016) · Cited by 1
Humor Cuts Both Ways: Moderating Effect of Humor Styles in the Organizations
-, L. H., -, Y. W., -, H. H., & Chen, H. (2012) · International Journal of Advancements in Computing Technology · doi:10.4156/ijact.vol4.issue23.99 · Cited by 1
Conceptualising Humour to Enhance Learning Among Engineering Undergraduates
Lim, S. C., & Cheah, S. E. (2017) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-981-10-4223-2_10 · Cited by 1
Badr, N. O. A. A. H. (2016) · مجلة البحث العلمي في الآداب · doi:10.21608/jssa.2016.11345 · Cited by 1
HIMA-Net: humor prediction by self-attention based on key information related to humor
Qin, H., He, M., & Jia, H. (2021) · International Conference on Neural Networks, Information and Communication Engineering (NNICE) · doi:10.1117/12.2615166 · Cited by 1
Parke, J. (2004) · Cited by 1
The Rubber Chicken’s Ergodicity: On Puzzle Punchlines in The Secret of Monkey Island
Heßler, D. (2022) · Palgrave studies in comedy · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-88338-6_4 · Cited by 1
Humorous Use of Figurative Language in Religious Hate Speech
Laineste, L., & Chłopicki, W. (2023) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-031-38248-2_7 · Cited by 1
The role of humour in software engineering—A literature review and preliminary taxonomy
Hidellaarachchi, D., Grundy, J., & Hoda, R. (2025) · Journal of Systems and Software · doi:10.1016/j.jss.2025.112560 · Cited by 1
Negotiation of Wit in Facebook Humour
Одебунми, А., & Ajiboye, S. (2016) · Advances in linguistics and communication studies · doi:10.4018/978-1-5225-0338-5.ch002 · Cited by 2
Understanding Humour: A Teacher’s Handbook
Strong, T. (2013) · QSpace (Queen's University Library) · Cited by 1
The Humour of Noël Du Fail in the Propos rustiques
Braybrook, J. (2018) · French Studies · doi:10.1093/fs/kny172 · Cited by 1
Terai, A., & Yamashita, K. (2018) · Joint International Conference on Soft Computing and Intelligent Systems and International Symposium on Advanced Intelligent Systems (SCIS&ISIS) · doi:10.1109/scis-isis.2018.00222 · Cited by 1
Hausendorf, S. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-658-26032-3_4 · Cited by 1
Computer Humor and Human Humor: Construction of Japanese “Nazokake” Riddle Generation Systems
Terai, A., Yamashita, K., & Komagamine, S. (2020) · Journal of Advanced Computational Intelligence and Intelligent Informatics · doi:10.20965/jaciii.2020.p0199 · Cited by 1
Predictive Power of Humor Types in Explaining Leadership Styles in Different Organizations
Ergün, M., & Akçaoğlu, M. Ö. (2020) · Journal of Business Research - Turk · doi:10.20491/isarder.2020.885 · Cited by 1
Hooked on humour : achieving rapport in humorous interactions between men and women who are friends
Candita, L. A. (2008) · Cited by 1
Plester, B. A. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24669-7_2 · Cited by 1
D’hulst, L., & de Poel, C. V. (2019) · Leuven University Press eBooks · doi:10.11116/9789461662989 · Cited by 1
Why's That Funny?? An extension to the Semantic Script Theory of Humor
Abdalian, A. (2006) · Cited by 1
Humor-Related Social Exchanges and Mental Health in Assisted Living Residents
McQueen, A. (2000) · doi:10.15760/etd.299 · Cited by 1
How to Create Witty, Anti-Semitic Jokes: A Primer for BigotsPreprint
Friedman, L. W., & Friedman, H. H. (2017) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.3027789 · Cited by 1
"Alexa, what do you do for fun?" Characterizing playful requests with virtual assistantsPreprint
Shani, C., Libov, A., Tolmach, S., Lewin-Eytan, L., Maarek, Y., & Shahaf, D. (2021) · arXiv (Cornell University) · doi:10.48550/arxiv.2105.05571 · Cited by 9
Translation of humor in English TV situation comedies into Thai
Viriyanansiri, V. (2009) · NRCT Data Center · doi:10.14457/cu.the.2009.2050 · Cited by 1
The influence of anthropomorphic spokescharacters on consumers' recycling intentions
Jain, R. (2021) · Queensland University of Technology · doi:10.5204/thesis.eprints.208973 · Cited by 1
(2010) · Elsevier eBooks · doi:10.1016/b978-2-294-70491-8.00026-5 · Cited by 1
Journal, N. (2014) · National Forensic Journal · doi:10.56816/0749-1042.1046 · Cited by 1
PhD (Playful, hilarious, Daring) Memoir: A Humorous Lens on Contemporary Doctoral DevelopmentPreprint
Peng, S.-H. L. (2023) · doi:10.33774/coe-2023-td79s · Cited by 1
Neumann-Braun, K. (2002) · VS Verlag für Sozialwissenschaften eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-322-97101-2_19 · Cited by 1
Jewish? You Must Be Joking! the Jewish Take on HumorPreprint
Friedman, L. W., & Friedman, H. H. (2009) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.1439936
The role of identification with a joke target in perceptions of disparaging humor
Kochersberger, A. O., & NC DOCKS at Western Carolina University (2012) · NC Digital Online Collection of Knowledge and Scholarship (The University of North Carolina at Greensboro)
Maeder, C. (2012) · Digital Access to Libraries (Université catholique de Louvain (UCL), l'Université de Namur (UNamur) and the Université Saint-Louis (USL-B))
Family caregivers' narratives of coping with chronic stress : is anything funny?
Opitz, M. K. (2009) · Texas ScholarWorks (Texas Digital Library)
Humor and the Metadiscourse of Control in the Comedia
Bergman, T. L. L. (2008) · Bulletin of the Comediantes · doi:10.1353/boc.2008.0006
Med humor som våben – sproglig humor som bindeled mellem kognition og emotion
Raab, T. (2009) · Tidsskrift for Sprogforskning · doi:10.7146/tfs.v7i1.2731
Humour Research: State of the Art 1
Nijholt, A. (2002)
Racial Disparagement Humor Appreciation and Social Power Value Motivation
Johnson, A. T., & Neuendorf, K. A. (2012)
The Influence of Humor on Approach and Avoidance Motivation
Daman, S. J. (2008) · OhioLink ETD Center (Ohio Library and Information Network)
Recepoğlu, E. (2015) · Cumhuriyet International Journal of Education · doi:10.30703/cije.321373
Humor Production and Perceptions of Psychological HealthPreprint
McGraw, A. P., Carter, E. P., & Harman, J. J. (2016) · SSRN Electronic Journal · doi:10.2139/ssrn.2727829
Humor als protektives Element? Eine Untersuchung bei Menschen, die eine Depression gehabt haben.
Tübingen, P., Allgemeine, A., Direktor, Ä., & Fallgatter, A. J. (2012)
Palisin, P. M. (2012) · EngagedScholarship @ Cleveland State University (Cleveland State University)
Monsters in the Shadows? Humour and the Uncanny
Plester, B. A. (2015) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-319-24669-7_7
Chapter 9 A Model of Humour in the Tourist Experience
Frew, E. (2007) · Advances in culture, tourism and hospitality research · doi:10.1016/s1871-3173(06)01009-3
The Punchlines of Jokes About Women in Italian, English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese
Lovo, N., & Depner, S. C.-Y. (2016) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-981-10-1799-5_8
Laugh to me: exploring computational humour
de Carvalho, F. R. (2012)
Aromaa, R. (2011) · Tampere University Institutional Repository (Tampere University)
Just a joke. Psychogenesis of humor in alcohol advertisements
Seppänen, J., Hellman, M., & Katainen, A. (2017) · The Scandinavian Psychoanalytic Review · doi:10.1080/01062301.2018.1439214
In Defense of Milphio: Aggressive Puns and Status Transactions in Plautus' Poenulus
Moodie, E. K. (2018) · The Classical World · doi:10.1353/clw.2018.0021
Humor and truth: Towards a Christian theology of laughter
Theobald, D. N. (2007)
The Affective Component of Amusement
Roberts, A. (2019) · Springer eBooks · doi:10.1007/978-3-030-14382-4_5
Hempelmann, C. F. (2019) · European Journal of Humour Research
Irony, Parody, and Satire in Art
Nilsen, D. L. F., & Nilsen, A. P. (2018) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108241403.004
Education and Children's Literature
Nilsen, D. L. F., & Nilsen, A. P. (2018) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108241403.007
Introduction to Arabic Literary Journalism: A Critical Study
Marzouk, S. J. A. (2014) · International Journal of Arabic-English Studies · doi:10.33806/ijaes2000.15.1.5
Performing Arts: Theater, Dance, and Music
Nilsen, D. L. F., & Nilsen, A. P. (2018) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108241403.019
HUMOR AND VIOLATION OF SOCIAL NORMS IN STUDENTS
Artemyeva, T., & Garanina, Y. G. (2020) · Вестник Удмуртского университета. Серия «Философия. Психология. Педагогика» · doi:10.35634/2412-9550-2020-30-2-173-180
Humour Stereotypes and their role in the emergence of interethnic and international conflicts
Николаевна, Г. О. (2020) · History of Culture, Study of Art and Philology: Modern Points of View · doi:10.31483/r-97470
“A Punch Straight for the Heart”: Disparaging Political Cartoons and Ethical Guidelines
Ashfaq, A., & Russomanno, J. A. (2019) · Southwestern Mass Communication Journal · doi:10.58997/smc.v33i2.32
Physical Education and Sports Mascots
Nilsen, D. L. F., & Nilsen, A. P. (2018) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108241403.021
Nilsen, D. L. F., & Nilsen, A. P. (2018) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108241403.016
Anthropology and Ethnic Studies
Nilsen, D. L. F., & Nilsen, A. P. (2018) · Cambridge University Press eBooks · doi:10.1017/9781108241403.003
Humor: The Other Way of Delivering Message
Oktavianus, O. (2021) · Talenta Conference Series Local Wisdom Social and Arts (LWSA) · doi:10.32734/lwsa.v4i2.1193
Strengths and limitations of humor in educational organization staff's coping with work stress
Schotka, O., & Andrieieva, Y. (2021) · Організаційна психологія Економічна психологія · doi:10.31108/2.2021.2.23.11
Eventos cómicos en su contexto (franquista): más allá de la risa bajtiniana
Vandaele, J. (2009) · Dialnet (Universidad de la Rioja)
Elizabeth Bishop’s Equivocal Communions
Trousdale, R. (2021) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780192895714.003.0007
Trousdale, R. (2021) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780192895714.003.0002
Trousdale, R. (2021) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780192895714.003.0001
Trousdale, R. (2021) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780192895714.003.0003
Laughter and Knowledge in Contemporary Poetry
Trousdale, R. (2021) · doi:10.1093/oso/9780192895714.003.0008
Metadata
- Venue
- Choice Reviews Online
- Publisher
- American Library Association
- Published
- 1998-03-01
- Volume
- 35
- Issue
- 07
- Pages
- 35-4189-35-4189
- ISSN
- 0009-4978 (ISSN-L)
- 1523-8253
- OpenAlex
- W1833933305
- Cited by
- 375
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2025: 7 · 2024: 4 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 16 · 2021: 32 · 2020: 46 · 2019: 21 · 2018: 52 · 2017: 6 · 2016: 32 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 19 · 2013: 13 · 2012: 16
- Type
- book review
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Choice Reviews Online (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Humor Studies and Applications
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Literature and Literary Theory › American Literature and Humor Studies
- Social Sciences › Arts and Humanities › Visual Arts and Performing Arts › Comics and Graphic Narratives
- Keywords
- humor, laughter, Thomas Hobbes, play, competition, games, jokes, sexual humor, puns, motives
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
Are you an author, or do you see a problem with this page? Request a review
