Humor is the tendency of particular cognitive experiences to provoke laughter and provide entertainment. The term “humor” is derived from the humoral medicine of ancient Greeks, which taught that the balance of fluids in the human body known as humors controlled human health and emotions. People all around the world, irrespective of age and culture, respond to humor.

While there is no general agreement on what is funny, researchers have identified three theories about what one may find funny. Let’s take a look at the three theories that are generally associated with humor:

• Incongruity theory: This is when logic and familiarity are replaced by things that normally don’t go together. This theory is one of the most basic elements of humor.
• Superiority theory: This theory describes that when we laugh find humor in others misfortune, mistakes, or stupidity because of detachment. Slipping on a banana peel or falling down the stairs can be quite embarrassing when it happens to you, but when the same thing happens to someone else, it can be quite funny.
• Relief theory: It helps to explain how laughter helps to release tension during emotional moments. Relief theory happens all the time in movies where tension is high and laughter helps people cope up with stressful situations.

Lately, researchers have identified a fourth theory known as the Benign Violation theory, endorsed by Peter McGraw, which attempts to explain the existence of humor. This theory states that, “humor only occurs when something seems wrong, unsettling, or threatening, but simultaneously seems ok, acceptable, or safe.” Humor can be used as a method that helps in easily engaging in social interaction by cutting through that awkward, uncomfortable, or uneasy feeling of social interactions.

As far as humor is concerned, people have different views and opinions about it. Some say that humor should not be explained but then there are others that counteract this view by stating that humor, although explained, does not necessarily lose its sense of humor. Humor is often used to make light of a difficult or stressful situation and also to brighten up a social gathering. Humor provides a positive and an enjoyable experience.

In this way, depending on various factors, one can understand in a better way what humor is and the theories related to it.