black humor

noun

1. a form of humor that regards human suffering as absurd rather than pitiable, or that considers human existence as ironic and pointless but somehow comic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black humor¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Someone like Sarah Silverman can elevate a rape joke by using black humor and referencing specific cultural touchstones.

From The Daily Beast

The ending has a classic Coen twist—the kind of black humor that is worth spending a night in with.

From The Daily Beast

She glanced sideways at him and was thoroughly startled at the black humor displayed in his countenance.

From Project Gutenberg

Sorry indeed would be anyone's plight who should encounter you in this black humor.

From Project Gutenberg

And she noted with pleasure that he, too, was in a black humor.

From Project Gutenberg

Sorry indeed would be any one's plight who should encounter you in this black humor.

From Project Gutenberg