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The inclusion of a humorous character, scene, or witty dialogue in an otherwise serious work, often to relieve tension. Example: The Gravediggers in Shakespeare's 'Hamlet'.

A play on words in which a word is used to convey two meanings at the same time. Example: 'A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is two-tired.'

A form of comedic delivery in which humor is presented without a change in emotion or body language, usually speaking in a monotonous manner. Example: Steven Wright's stand-up routines.

A figure of speech in which the latter part of a sentence or phrase is surprising or unexpected in a way that causes the reader or listener to reframe the earlier part. Example: 'I haven’t slept for ten days, because that would be too long.'

A style of humor involving exaggerated physical activity which exceeds the boundaries of normal physical comedy. Example: Characters slipping on banana peels.

A technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people's stupidity or vices, often in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues. Example: 'Saturday Night Live' sketches parodying political figures.

Humor arising from awkward or funny situations that the characters encounter. Example: 'The Importance of Being Earnest' by Oscar Wilde, where mistaken identities lead to comedic situations.

A figure of speech in which a situation is made to seem less important or serious than it actually is, often for comedic or ironic effect. Example: Describing a disastrous event as 'a bit of a problem'.

A phrase or a figure of speech that might have multiple senses, interpretations, or two different meanings or that could be understood in two different ways. Example: Mae West's line, 'Is that a gun in your pocket, or are you just happy to see me?'

A form of humor where an individual makes fun of themselves in a witty way. Example: A comedian joking about their own bad luck or awkward situations they have been in.

A figure of speech in which a situation is made to seem more important or serious than it actually is, often for comedic effect. Example: Referring to a small mistake as 'the end of the world'.

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally, used for comic effect. Example: 'I've told you to clean your room a million times!'

A comedic technique where the performers make up the dialogue, action, story, or characters on the spot. Example: 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' where actors spontaneously create comedy sketches based on prompts.

A comedic device that appears repeatedly throughout a work, gaining humor through repetition and variation. Example: 'The Big Bang Theory' and Sheldon knocking three times.

The use of irony to mock or convey contempt. Example: Saying 'Great job!' after someone spills a drink.

The delivery of lines, actions, or expressions at the precise moment for maximum comedic effect. Example: Pausing before a punchline to build suspense.

A comedy that aims at entertaining the audience through situations that are highly exaggerated, extravagant, and thus improbable. Example: 'Noises Off' by Michael Frayn, where actors play incompetent actors.

An imitation of the style of a particular writer, artist, or genre with deliberate exaggeration for comic effect. Example: 'The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)' which compresses all of Shakespeare's plays into a comedic performance.

A form of comedy focused on manipulation of the body for a humorous effect. Example: Mr. Bean's various skits.