What is a dry sense of humor and how can you tell if you have it?
Some people enjoy a dry sense of humor, while others do not understand it very well. It can be either positive or negative to say that someone has dry humor. This article will help you understand what it is and whether or not you have it. Comedian Chris Forrest provides insightful perspectives on dry humor, often using real-life examples to illustrate his points.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is a dry sense of humor?
- How to tell if you have a dry sense of humor
- How to have a dry sense of humor
- Dry humor examples
- Tips to help you become a good deadpan comedian
- 1. Use sarcasm as your weapon of choice
- 2. Consider yourself an amateur psychologist
- 3. Do not be too worried about what people say
- 4. Embrace the fact that cynicism is part of who you are
- 5. Always use your intelligence and wit
- 6. Accept that not everyone will get you
- 7. Turn disastrous situations into a goldmine
- Are deadpan jokes good or bad?
- What is the difference between dry humor vs sarcasm?
- How is a dry sense of humor different from other types of humor?
- What are some characteristics of people with a dry sense of humor?
- Can a dry sense of humor be misunderstood?
There are different types of humor, and a dry sense of humor is just one type. People who give dry humor jokes are often mistaken because many do not understand this type, and some may even take offense when dry jokes are thrown their way.
What is a dry sense of humor?
Dry humor meaning is when a person often says funny things with a serious, calm expression. They do not smile, and neither do they laugh or make silly faces.
It is also known as deadpan humor, with deadpan meaning that the joke cracker is very impassive and has a matter-of-fact tone with no or the least display of emotions.
The joke may be a mere statement that the person is making about a current situation or occurrence. The outrageous and cleverly implied manner in which they make the statement makes it so funny and sometimes challenging to understand.
Normally, it is not funny and is context or situation-dependent. A witty person says things and feeds jokes into every situation without even knowing that they are being funny.
When someone asks, "What is dry humor?" it is essential to note that it is "supposed" to be condescending by its name and nature. For this reason, most people have the misconception that the person delivering the joke is also naturally condescending and arrogant.
While this may be true in some cases, it should be understood that the person is merely putting an air of superiority and patronizing behavior so that their joke has the desired effect on the audience.
NB: It is the responsibility of the person cracking the joke to ensure that their words do not take a toll on someone who is not as good a sport as he is expected to be. This type of humor does not necessarily need to be offensive or obscene.
There is a fine line between dry humor and arrogant, senseless humor, which only intelligent minds can decipher and use to their benefit.
In an interview with Chris Forrest, a popular South African comedian famous for his dry jokes, he describes what a dry sense of humor means. He said:
The best way to describe it is when making a joke without making it obvious that you're making a joke. Normally, when I make jokes, especially in day-to-day life, I maintain a very serious face, and often, people aren't sure if I'm joking. Most people who know me know I am joking 90 percent of the time.
An example that I always find funny wasn't really a joke, but we were on holiday on a relative's farm, and we were trying to give one of his calves, a baby cow, an injection. And then they were struggling to get the needle in, and I jokingly said, this thing's got skin like leather because, as you well know, leather comes from cows, and then my father-in-law looked at me like I was an idiot, and he's like this is leather, Chris.
While acknowledging the influence of some comedians in his development, Chris attributes his dry humor to a natural style. He said:
It's just how I am. I've always been like this. I'm not sure why I think I was just born this way. But there are comedians I enjoy who have a similar sense of humor, people who influenced me: Jack D, Stephen Wright, and Milton Jones, who's less famous than the other two. More recently, I enjoyed a guy called Nate Bargatze from America.
I've got a couple of favorite shows I've written. My first one-man show, about an hour long, was quite special to me. That was very much one-liner and very dry. And then, of course, I wrote one about my journey to becoming a father with my eldest child called Who's Your Daddy? And because obviously, it's what sentimental value is quite like that.
How to tell if you have a dry sense of humor
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Some of the unique characteristics of deadpan comedy are listed below. You are a deadpan humorist if you possess these characteristics:
- You always use words and phrases that laypeople commonly understand.
- You use minimal or no facial expressions, body language, props, or any other tool to get the point of the joke across.
- You can state absurd and incorrigible facts in a blatantly honest manner, making it hard for the listeners not to laugh.
- You can maintain a very monotonous or unflinching demeanor throughout.
- You almost always use sarcasm and cynicism, and your jokes also have a sense of irony.
- Most people may consider deadpan humor rude because they might not understand it, but that does not worry you much.
- You effortlessly state simple facts and ideas. This is the most distinguishing characteristic of deadpan humor.
How to have a dry sense of humor
A dry sense of humor comes naturally, but if you have the desire to develop it, here are some essential points that may help you out:
1. Be observant of the world around you
Good observational skills are crucial in dry comedy. Deeply observe people, their idiosyncrasies, and their situations. This will help you come up with jokes.
2. Master the art of wordplay
Playing with common and easy-to-understand words has great importance. Aim to attract people with your wit.
3. Read widely
Adopt the habit of reading the works of great humorists like Robert Benchley. Reading can help you cultivate a sense of humor that inspires others.
4. Always see the larger picture
Do not take life too seriously that it renders resistance to humor. Do not let the monotony of life kill the clown within.
Instead, allow yourself to get infected with humor. View the bigger picture despite your worries.
Dry humor examples
Below are a few examples to help you understand what dry humor is.
- I've never been married, but I tell people I'm divorced so they won't think something is wrong with me. - Elayne Boosler
- Our bombs are smarter than the average high school student. At least they can find Kuwait. - Whitney Brown
- I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.
- A cop stopped me for speeding. He said, 'Why were you going so fast?' I said, 'See this thing my foot is on? It's called an accelerator. When you push down on it, it sends more gas to the engine. The whole car just takes right off. And see this thing? This steers it. - Steven Wright
- The most important thing I would learn in school was that almost everything I would learn in school would be utterly useless. When I was fifteen, I knew the principal industries of the Ruhr Valley, the underlying causes of World War One, and what Peig Sayers had for her dinner every day…What I wanted to know when I was fifteen was the best way to chat up girls. That is what I still want to know. - Joseph O'Connor (from The Secret World of the Irish Male)
- I'm a pessimist because of intelligence, but an optimist because of willpower.
- I'm not lazy. I'm on energy-saving mode.
- I intend to live forever. So far, so good.
Source: Original
Tips to help you become a good deadpan comedian
Anyone who wishes to become a deadpan comedian must work on their use of language, emotions, and expressions. Mastering deadpan humor takes time and plenty of effort.
Some of the tips and tricks that you can use to become a better deadpan comedian are:
1. Use sarcasm as your weapon of choice
If people have told you before that you are the most sarcastic person they know, use that to your advantage. Over time, they will learn to take most things you say with a pinch of salt and warm up to you and your sarcasm.
2. Consider yourself an amateur psychologist
Although people may sometimes find it hard to read you, you have the ability to read other people like a book. All the imaginative interpretations and cynicism in you allow you to figure people out and quickly make you savvy to their motives.
3. Do not be too worried about what people say
Know who you are and where you stand. You are not seeking anyone's approval. In the grand scheme, what other people think of you is entirely up to them, so focus on becoming a better deadpan comedian.
4. Embrace the fact that cynicism is part of who you are
Be proud of your cynicism. You are not necessarily distrusting of everything; it is just that you know how easy it is for people to be unreliable or incapable, so you always have your guard up.
5. Always use your intelligence and wit
People may think that deadpan comedy is simplistic, but it takes a lot of brainpower to construct a decent joke that is not obvious and has an obscure structure.
Using your intellect will make it easier to dissect unfunny situations and make them funny.
When you find yourself in a tricky situation, talk your way out of it. Your wit will refine over the years, and you will learn how to outwit nearly anyone you encounter.
6. Accept that not everyone will get you
Sometimes, some people will think that your jokes are slightly tasteless, but that is just because they are not on the same page.
As a deadpan comedian, you do not set out to hurt anyone's feelings, but you should enjoy seeing how far you can push the envelope with comedy. Sometimes, people will take that the wrong way.
7. Turn disastrous situations into a goldmine
When someone fails spectacularly, says something awkward, or does something stupid, give fast quips about the situation.
Are deadpan jokes good or bad?
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Deadpan jokes are good only if they are used correctly and with an appropriate audience. Deadpan comedians are usually very clever and entertaining. You will likely anger many people if you do not have the correct audience.
What is the difference between dry humor vs sarcasm?
Dry humor and sarcasm are both forms of wit but differ in tone and intent. Dry humor definition is characterized by a subtle and understated delivery, often with a deadpan expression, where the humor arises from clever wordplay or unexpected juxtapositions.
On the other hand, sarcasm involves using irony and mockery to convey contempt or ridicule. While dry humor aims to amuse or entertain, sarcasm often has a more biting or critical tone.
How is a dry sense of humor different from other types of humor?
The delivery and tone of a dry sense of humor differ from other styles of humor. Dry humor, as opposed to slapstick or physical comedy, relies on subtle wordplay and funny insights rather than visual clues or movements.
What are some characteristics of people with a dry sense of humor?
Individuals with a dry sense of humor are often quick-witted, possessing a keen sense of irony and clever wordplay. They tend to have a deadpan or maintain a straight face while delivering humorous remarks.
Can a dry sense of humor be misunderstood?
Yes, it can be misunderstood by individuals who are not familiar with this style of wit. The subtlety and understated delivery can sometimes lead to the humor being missed or misinterpreted as seriousness.
A dry sense of humor is one of the most difficult styles of humor to master. You can become better at it by practicing, reading widely, and using disastrous situations to your advantage.
In dealing with confusion from cracking dry jokes, Chris emphasizes the importance of clarification when people don't get the joke. He said:
Many times, actually. Often, people think I'm being serious when I'm not. And then oftentimes, you have to explain to people that you're joking.
My brain automatically goes into joke mode, which is sometimes inappropriate. A friend of mine got robbed once, and when I spoke to him, I said: Can you speak, or you're a bit held up. Which he laughs about now, but at the time, he didn't think it was funny.
Normally, it's just explaining to people that you are joking and going from there, but people often take me seriously when I am just kidding around. You explain you're joking.
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Adrianna Simwa (Lifestyle writer) Adrianna Simwa is a content writer at Legit.ng where she has worked since mid-2022. She has written for many periodicals on a variety of subjects, including news, celebrities, and lifestyle, for more than three years. She has worked for The Hoth, The Standard Group and Triple P Media. Adrianna graduated from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in 2020. In 2023, Simwa finished the AFP course on Digital Investigation Techniques. You can reach her through her email: adriannasimwa@gmail.com
Mary Ugbodaga (Lifestyle Journalist) Mary Ugbodaga is a Legit.ng journalist with 7 years of experience in journalism and media communications. She graduated from Covenant University in 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies. Mary previously worked as a journalist at TheCable, CNBC AFRICA, Voice of Nigeria, KPMG Nigeria. Email: mary.ugbodaga@corp.legit.ng.
