"Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand." — Mark Twain Humor "Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand." — Mark Twain

Humor Humor —the quality that makes something funny or amusing — can be expressed in many ways. Some expressions of humor require careful, even extravagant preparation, such as the old vaudeville or burlesque shows; yet some humor is derived from a sidelong look, a quick joke, or a witty line tucked into an otherwise mundane sentence.

Burlesque A broadly comic or satirical imitation of a writing or play which presents a solemn subject in an undignified style; a type of variety show featuring clown-like comedians, off-color jokes, and scantily-clad dancers. http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=spectaular+spectaular+moulin+rouge +&qs=n&form=QBVR&pq=spectaular+spectaular+moulin+rouge+&sc=0- 0&sp=- 1&sk=#view=detail&mid=5B872396788F510B5AB75B872396788F510B5AB7

Caracature A representation, especially pictorial or literary, in which the subject's distinctive features or peculiarities are deliberately exaggerated to produce a comic effect.

Cartoons A drawing depicting a humorous situation, often accompanied by a caption, including animated versions or comic strips

Irony A method of humorous or subtly sarcastic expression in which the intended meaning of the words is a direct opposite of their usual sense. For example, the irony of calling a stupid plan "clever".

Verbal Irony Verbal irony is the use of words to mean something different from what a person actually says. The main feature of verbal irony that sets it apart from the other different types of irony is that it is used by a speaker intentionally. It occurs in a conversation where a person aims to be understood as meaning something different to what his or her words literally mean. “Thanks for the ticket officer. You just made my day!” “I can’t wait to read the seven hundred page report.”

Dramatic Irony Dramatic irony occurs when the audience is aware of something that the characters in the story are not aware of.

Situational Irony Involves a discrepancy between what is expected to happen and what actually happens.

Joke A brief oral narrative with a humorous twist at the end told to provoke laughter ''We got somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 states. We could lose a few. I mean, do we really need two Dakotas? And NEW Hampshire? I'm sure the old one's fine.'' —Stephen Colbert

Parody A literary or musical work imitating the characteristic style of some other work in a satirical or humorous way, usually by applying it to an inappropriate subject.

SARCASM A taunting, sneering, cutting or caustic remark, generally ironic; made with the intention of belittling, hurting or ridiculing an individual or an idea. "She had lost the art of conversation, but not, unfortunately, the power of speech." — George Barnard Shaw

SATIRE A literary work in which human vice or folly is attacked through irony, derision, or wit. Whereas the purpose of sarcasm is strictly to wound, satire is used to reveal flaws in human behavior of institutions with an intent to reform. https://youtu.be/mrQe1pDRQxM https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWcQEO1OG4Q

Situation comedy A humorous radio or television series with a regular cast of characters that react to unusual situations, such as misunderstandings or embarrassing coincidences; sometimes called a "sitcom." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kov2G0GouBw

slapstick A loud and dynamic form of comedy marked by chases, crashes, and crude practical jokes http://www.tubechop.com/watch/5538328

meosis An kind of humorous understatement that dismisses or belittles. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gciFoE bOA8

hyperbole Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.