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savage humor

savage humor

7.9
Harsh, honest jokes that hurt or shock people
  • noun
  • /ˈsævɪd ˈhjuːmɚ/
translation icon : humor mordaz
  • The comedian is known for his savage humor that spares no one in the audience.

Examples

  • Her savage humor divided the crowd—some laughed, others squirmed at the brutality of her jokes.

  • The novel's narrative is dark, laced with savage humor about the absurdity of modern life.

  • His savage humor often leaves people speechless.

  • She has a knack for savage humor that can be quite shocking.

  • His stand-up routine is notorious for its savage humor, often poking fun at societal norms.

  • Many comedians use savage humor to address sensitive topics in a way that challenges their audiences.

  • The film was filled with savage humor, leaving viewers laughing at its unfiltered truths about relationships.

Synonyms

snarkiness
vssavage humor
  • Informal
2 7.5

A sarcastic, sharply mocking way of speaking that can hurt people

is harsher and more brutally honest rather than merely sarcastic
trenchant wit
vssavage humor
  • Formal
8.1

A quick, sharp kind of humor that criticizes ideas or people

is harsher and more brutally honest in its funny remarks
mordancy
vssavage humor
  • Formal
9.8

A sharp, cutting way of speaking and writing that criticizes people and ideas

is more funny and aimed to shock through harsh honesty
sardonicism
vssavage humor
9.3

A mocking, harsh way of speaking that shows no respect

is more openly brutal and direct in its funny criticism

Antonyms

13 1.7

A cheerful, pleasant mood that makes people feel relaxed

How Harsh

savage humor
7.9
dry humor
  • US
1 5.3
light-hearted banter
  • Informal
4.2

Surface Forms

savage humor singular
savage humors plural

Morphology

savage + humor

The meaning is directly compositional: 'savage' (harsh, merciless) modifying 'humor' (comic quality) yields the idea of harsh, biting comedy. The adjective-noun combination and the metaphorical extension of 'savage' are predictable and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Savage humor uses savage like a wild animal that bites and humor as jokes that 'attack' people with sharp truth, creating a strong image. So it means comedy that is harsh and 'brutally honest'.