The Three Theories of Humor

1. relief theory – we laugh when the psychological tension is reduced.
2. superiority theory – we laugh at people’s misfortune, mistakes, and stupidity because of detachment.
   • someone falling down the stairs
   • someone doing something stupid
3. incongruity theory – we laugh at the incongruity of things
   •  singing badly when the anthem starts
   • rapping in a classical music piece