The correct spelling of the phrase "black humors" is with an "o" in humor. The IPA phonetic transcription for this phrase would be /blæk ˈhjuːmərz/. "Humors" with a "u" is an incorrect spelling, as the word actually comes from the medieval concept of four humors, or bodily fluids, which determined a person's personality and health. "Humors" with an "o" refers to a quality that causes amusement or laughter, often in a dark or cynical way.
Black humor refers to a style of comedy or satire that deals with profound, dark, or taboo subjects in an amusing or ironic manner. This type of humor serves as a coping mechanism for individuals to explore and address sensitive topics, often characterized by a humorous twist. It is an approach to comedy that delves into the macabre, tragic, or morbid aspects of life, utilizing satire and irony to provoke laughter in spite of the grim subject matter.
With roots in ancient Greek comedy, black humor gained prominence during the 20th century as a reaction to the atrocities of war, social unrest, and existential dilemmas. It is often associated with absurdism, the Theatre of the Absurd, and the Dada movement, where the boundaries of convention and conventional humor are pushed to elicit an uncomfortable reaction from the audience.
The essence of black humor lies in its ability to challenge societal norms and question moral boundaries in a humorous and often shocking manner. It allows individuals to confront evil, suffering, or tragedy through laughter, providing a cathartic release and a means to confront uncomfortable truths. However, it is important to note that due to its dark nature, black humor may not be suitable for all audiences and can be offensive to some.
Overall, black humor is a form of comedy that combines wit, irony, and satire to explore somber or taboo subjects, offering a unique perspective that challenges conventional notions of humor while providing an outlet to cope with the darker aspects of the human experience.
The term "black humor" stems from the ancient concept of humorism, which was prevalent in medical and philosophical circles during the Middle Ages. Humorism suggested that bodily fluids, known as humors, influenced a person's physical and mental health. According to this theory, there were four main humors: blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile.
Black bile, also referred to as melancholy, was associated with an excess of this humor resulting in a melancholic disposition or temperament. This temperament was characterized by sadness, gloominess, and a tendency towards morbid or dark thoughts.
Over time, the term "black humor" emerged to describe a type of humor that involved jokes or comedy based on morbid, dark, or taboo subjects. It often delves into topics that may be considered inappropriate or unsettling by traditional societal standards.