absurdist humor
1
7.6
- noun
- /æbˈsɜrdɪst ˈhjuːmər/
- The play was renowned for its use of absurdist humor, leaving the audience in fits of laughter at the illogical events.
Examples
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And for the sake of absurdity, a small bit of absurdist humor.
Blog text (16) -
Absurdist humor is one thing; I don't argue that Ryan's comics are absurd and funny to many people.
Blog text (6) -
Natasza Goerke (b. 1960) has published three books of short prose characterized by narrative experiment, absurdist humor, and her engagement with Tibetan Buddhism.
Fiction book (2000) -
Many people appreciate the surprising twists and nonsensical situations in absurdist humor.
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His latest book is filled with absurdist humor, showcasing how everyday life can become delightfully nonsensical.
Synonyms
1
4.9
Funny jokes or actions that are unusual and a little strange
1
7.6
Funny situations that are strange and do not follow normal logic
1
8.2
A way of being funny that is strange and silly
How Absurd
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is a simple adjective + noun composition: 'absurdist' (relating to absurdity/irrationality) directly modifies 'humor' (comic quality), so the meaning 'humor based on absurdity or deliberately illogical situations' is transparently derivable from the parts. This compositional pattern is common cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can infer the MWE's meaning.
Etymology
Absurdist humor comes from a style of comedy that shows strange, surprising actions that do not follow normal rules. Imagine someone using a shoe as a spoon or talking to a lamp; that odd picture is the joke, so it means 'humor that does not make sense on purpose'.