Dark humor, also known as black comedy, is defined as a style of comedy that finds amusement in subjects that are generally considered serious, taboo, or distressing. It serves as a coping mechanism, allowing audiences to confront unsettling themes with a sense of levity and highlighting the absurdity or irony within difficult situations[3]. Dark humor often tackles challenging topics such as death, disease, and violence, finding the lighter side even in tragic contexts[2][4].
The genre also plays a significant role in critiquing societal norms, inciting reflections on life's darker aspects while using humor to address painful incidents[4]. It is characterized by a subversive approach, where no topic is off-limits, and it is used to provoke thought around complex societal issues—it frequently employs satire and aims to 'punch up,' targeting those in positions of power[2].
Moreover, the effectiveness of dark humor is influenced by factors such as temporal and social distance. The saying 'comedy is tragedy plus time' captures the idea that the acceptability of dark jokes often depends on how much time has passed since an event, as well as the social context in which the humor is presented[2][3]. In literature, it often serves to present serious themes in a lighter manner, thereby advancing the action or commentary within a narrative[4].
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