black humor

American  

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.

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Usage

What does black humor mean? Black humor is a kind of comedy that jokes about serious or depressing topics, such as hopelessness, suffering, or death. The black in black humor refers to the dark or depressing subject matter that is central to such comedy. Similar terms are black comedy, dark humor, and gallows humor. Sometimes black comedy is used as a way to point out or reflect on the absurdity of life—or, more specifically, of the dark aspects of life, like death and war. But like other comedy, sometimes it’s just used to get a laugh. Either way, it’s very popular in modern media.

Etymology

Origin of black humor

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Its 10 episodes pack sci-fi creepiness, wry social commentary and black humor inside of a tightly constructed story that’s substantive and thrilling.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 16, 2025

The film is chock full of black humor set against steampunk visual design.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 10, 2024

And there is plenty of black humor thrown in.

From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2023

As heartbreaking as the book may be, Delaney’s pitch black humor buoys even the toughest moments.

From New York Times • Nov. 12, 2022

He reminded Tyrion of Bronn, though Bronn had a sellsword’s black humor and Griff had no humor at all.

From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin