How Do You Spell GALLOWS HUMOUR?

Pronunciation: [ɡˈalə͡ʊz hjˈuːmə] (IPA)

Gallows humour, also known as black humour, is a form of humour that makes light of serious or morbid topics, such as death, illness, or tragedy. The spelling of "gallows" is derived from the Middle English word "galwes", meaning "gallows", and is pronounced /ˈɡæ.ləʊz/ (GAL-ohz) in IPA phonetics. The word "humour" is spelled with a "u" in British English and is pronounced /ˈhjuː.mər/ (HYOO-muhr) in IPA phonetics. Gallows humour is often used as a coping mechanism in difficult situations or to make others laugh in the face of adversity.

GALLOWS HUMOUR Meaning and Definition

1. Gallows humour is a form of humor that focuses on serious, disturbing, or morbid topics, often in the face of adversity or imminent doom. It is a way for individuals to cope with or make light of grim situations, such as death, tragedy, or other traumatic experiences. The term "gallows humour" derives its name from the gallows, a place traditionally used for executions, emphasizing the association with dark and distressing subjects.

   This type of humor often involves making jokes, sarcastic remarks, or witty comments about the distressing situation, which may seem inappropriate or offensive to others. However, it is essential to note that gallows humour is typically used as a defense mechanism or coping strategy rather than a means to dismiss the gravity of the situation. By finding humor in the face of tragedy, individuals may seek to alleviate their anxiety, fear, or discomfort, or to create a sense of camaraderie and togetherness in challenging circumstances.

   Gallows humour is commonly found in professions dealing with death, such as paramedics, funeral directors, or soldiers, as a means of coping with the harsh realities of their work. It can also be present in war, disaster-stricken areas, or situations where people are exposed to adversity and danger. Gallows humour acts as a coping mechanism, facilitating emotional release and providing temporary relief in the face of overwhelming circumstances.

   It is crucial to approach gallows humour with sensitivity and respect, as it can be highly subjective and may not be appropriate or well-received by everyone.

Etymology of GALLOWS HUMOUR

The phrase "gallows humour" has its origins in the Middle Ages, where it was referred to as "gallows mirth". The term combines the word "gallows", which refers to the structure used for executions by hanging, and "humour", which in this context means a particular state of mind or disposition.

The etymology of "gallows" dates back to Old English, deriving from the word "galga", which means a wooden frame or pole used for hanging criminals. Over time, it evolved into "gallows", retaining its original meaning.

The term "humour" also has an interesting etymology. It originated from the Latin word "humor", meaning bodily fluid or moisture. In medieval physiology, a balance of four humours (blood, phlegm, yellow bile, and black bile) was considered necessary for a person's health.

Idioms with the word GALLOWS HUMOUR

• gallows humour Gallows humour is a type of dark or morbid humour that is used as a coping mechanism in stressful or difficult situations, often involving death or tragedy. It is a way of finding humour in situations that are typically considered serious or somber.

Similar spelling word for GALLOWS HUMOUR

• glamour.