Stuff You Should Know Short Stuff: The Science of Funny Words
Jul 1, 2020
Explore the science behind what makes certain words funny. A researcher has compiled a list of 5,000 words, revealing the quirkiest ones that get a laugh, like 'Schenectady' and 'Rancho Cucamonga.' Delve into the psychology of laughter and how context influences humor. Discover playful words such as 'bucko' alongside classics like 'poop' and 'fart.' The interplay of sounds and cultural perceptions is examined, all while appreciating the art of word choice in comedic settings.
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Funny Words
- Some words are inherently funnier than others, like "poop."
- This comedic quality is a subject of research in fields like psychology.
Westbury's Research
- Chris Westbury, a psychologist and researcher, studied humor in words.
- He published a study titled "Wrigley, Squiffy, Lummox, and Boobs: What Makes Some Words Funny?"
Humor Model
- Westbury created a mathematical model to predict the funniness of words.
- He ranked 5,000 English words by their comedic value.