Satire, Irony, Humor (Terms You Need to Know)

Caricature

"Caricature" is the exaggeration of the traits of a person or type.

Slapstick

A boisterous form of comedy marked by chases, collisions, and crude practical jokes. Very physical, silly, "cheap laughs" comedy.

Farce

A light dramatic work in which highly improbably plot situations, exaggerated characters, and often slapstick elements are used for humorous effect. A ludicrous mockery.

Burlesque

A literary or dramatic work that ridicules a subject either by presenting a solemn subject in an undignified style or an inconsequential subject in a dignified style. Like caricature, it is a ludicrous or mocking imitation. The term can also refer to a variety show characterized by broad gross sexual comedy, dancing, and striptease.

Satire

A literary work that ridicules is subject through the use of techniques such as exaggeration, reversal, incongruity, and/or parody in order to make a comment.

Allusion

A reference to another: artistic piece, historical figure or event, culture icon or event, political figure or event. It is ways that add meaning and purpose.

Anachronism

An object or person that appears outside of its designated and appropriate time period.

Understatement

Expressing an idea with less emphasis or in a lesser decree than is the actual case. The opposite of hyperbole. Understatement is employed for ironic emphasis.

High Comedy

Humor that appears to thought or intellect. It is a subtle, witty kind of humor that often makes fun of society or social norms. This humor would likely make a reader grin or chuckle as opposed to offer a full fledged belly laugh. This type of humor often uses verbal irony and reversal as a means of satire.

Low Comedy

Humor that utilizes farce, slapstick, burlesque, and physical comedy at the same time. It requires little to no thought on the part of the reader and is funny in an obvious way. "Laugh out loud" comedy.

Verbal Irony

Implying the opposite of what is said.

Juxtaposition

Intentionally putting two elements that don't belong together (or are opposites) side by side for emphasis. [oximorons]

Cliche

Overused, hackneyed phrases, plots, characters, situations, etc.

Exaggeration (Hyperbole)

To enlarge, increase, or represent something beyond normal bounds so that id becomes ridiculous or its faults can be seen clearly and openly mocked.

Parody

To imitate the techniques and/or style of some person, place, or thing.

Incongruity

To present things that are out of place or absurd in relation of its surroundings

(Double Entendre) Pun

Use of phrasing or words that could have a double meaning, and the second meaning is usually understood; double entendres are often sexually suggestive.

Sarcasm

When a speaker says the opposite of what he/she means in order to make a point or belittle something or someone; biting humor at another's expense. Sarcasm is not always ironic. Sarcasm is always intentional while irony can happen spontaneously.

Dramatic Irony

When the audience or reader has more information than the character.

Situational Irony

When the opposite of what's expected happens.

Reversal

to present the opposite of the order (e.g., the order of events; hierarchical order).