Black humorist is a term used to describe a writer or comedian who uses humor to make light of serious, taboo, or controversial topics. The spelling of black humorist is straightforward: /blæk/ for the first syllable, which is pronounced with the /l/ and a reduced vowel sound /ᵊ/ and /hjuːmərɪst/ for the second syllable, which includes the long "u" sound /hjuː/ and the suffix "-ist" /-ɪst/, indicating a person who practices or advocates for a particular philosophy or belief.
A black humorist is a person who specializes in creating and presenting comedic material that deals with topics or situations that are typically considered taboo, sensitive, or morbid in nature. This genre of humor often touches upon subjects that are grim, unpleasant, or even tragic, exploiting the absurdity and irony found within them. A black humorist's aim is to provoke laughter by confronting audiences with disturbing or uncomfortable subjects, challenging societal norms and conventions.
The term "black humor" itself originated in the 1930s and has become widely associated with writers, comedians, and artists who employ this particular style of humor. Black humorists employ strategies such as irony, sarcasm, satire, and gallows humor to deliver their comedic content. Common themes in their work may include death, suffering, illness, violence, tragedy, and human flaws.
Black humor can serve as a medium for social commentary, allowing these humorists to critique and question prevailing societal attitudes, beliefs, and values through dark and unconventional comedic lenses. By presenting shocking or macabre scenarios, black humorists often aim to challenge the established order, provoke thought, or prompt introspection within their audience.
While black humor can be polarizing and unsettling due to the nature of its subject matter, it provides a unique and often cathartic perspective on the human condition, offering an unconventional and thought-provoking approach to comedy.
The word "black humorist" has its roots in the broader term "black humor", also known as "dark humor" or "gallows humor". The etymology of the term "black humor" can be traced back to the early 20th century.
"Black humor" emerged as a descriptive term for a specific style of humor that deals with topics that are often considered morbid, taboo, or sinister. It involves making jokes or finding amusement in situations that are usually regarded as serious or sad. The term "black" refers to the darkness or bleakness associated with these themes.
The use of dark or morbid humor has a long history, but it gained significant recognition as a distinct genre during the mid-20th century. This style of humor was frequently employed as a coping mechanism during times of tragedy, wars, or other distressing events.