Pronunciation: [blˈak hjˈuːmə] (IPA) 
Black humour, also known as dark humour, is a type of comedy used to discuss taboo topics or morbid events. The spelling of "humour" is in British English, where the vowel sound in "humour" is pronounced as /juː/ (yoo). The spelling of "black" is a standard spelling in English, and the vowel sound in "black" is pronounced as /æ/ (a). The IPA phonetic transcription for "black humour" is /blæk ˈhjuːmər/.
Black humour, also known as dark humor, is a form of comedy or satire that deals with grim or taboo subjects in an irreverent, often unsettling, and sometimes offensive manner. It uses morbid or bleak elements to shine light on human suffering, tragedy, or the absurdity of certain situations. This type of humor typically employs sarcasm, irony, or biting satire to challenge societal conventions, question moral values, or convey a sense of discomfort.
Black humour often takes on subjects such as death, disease, tragedy, violence, and other aspects of the human condition that may be considered taboo or controversial. It encourages an audience to confront and confront their own fears, anxieties, or discomfort by finding amusement or irony in these dark subjects. It can provide a release from the seriousness of such topics while also challenging social norms and assumptions.
The use of black humour can vary from subtle jokes or understated irony to more explicit and shocking forms, which can divide audiences based on personal taste and cultural sensitivities. What may be humorous to one person may be offensive or distressing to another. However, when used effectively, black humour can provide a way to explore and cope with difficult or uncomfortable subjects by offering a different perspective, encouraging critical thinking, or provoking conversations about societal taboos.
The term "black humor" originated from the French phrase "humour noir", which was coined by the surrealist writer André Breton in his 1932 essay, "Anthology of Black Humor". However, the concept of dark or morbid humor predates this phrase, with roots in ancient Greek and Roman comedy. "Black humor" refers to a type of humor that deals with taboo subjects, such as death, disease, or other grim topics. The use of the word "black" in this context signifies the dark themes or subjects being explored.
