When the World Laughs

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Every writer has a style, a personality that influences the way they write.

Some may be fast and crude, others reserved and timid, and some may be witty.

Some may even be all of the above!

I took my pursuit of knowledge further and sat for my Masters of Fine Arts in Writing.

It’s a real thing, I promise.

However, pursuing a master’s degree in creative writing isn’t for everyone.

Go for it if you’re fully funded.

If not, read and write voraciously.

Being the best writer that you can be means having the discipline to build a strong vocabulary and a comprehensive knowledge of literature, including works written by poets and writers from other countries, if you plan on being a writer in any capacity.

Sorry, I’m not going to debate this.

I say this because I took a class on humor for my graduate degree.

Writing comedy is a lot harder than the job looks.

We think comedians make up things as they go along, but they don’t!

Some of the more famous comedians – like late-night hosts – have a gaggle of writers at their disposal.

Their entire job is to develop timely, pointed jokes, sometimes the same day a show is supposed to air!

Comedy and humor is a fascinating business, and I don’t think I could ever make that my job.

I like to think of myself as a funny person, but I can’t be at 100% as my day job.

So I’ll leave that to the professionals!

This thought leads me to today’s discussion.

Sometimes we know the right word; sometimes, we don’t.

Sometimes we make a joke, and we laugh, and we don’t know why.

If you’re like me, you’re wondering what makes people laugh.

When you’re in a conversation, what words do people use to be funny?

Then, when it’s your turn, should you say the punchline or keep it to yourself?

Words that describe responses to humor

  • Amused
  • Bantering
  • Bitter
  • Caustic
  • Comical
  • Condescending
  • Contemptuous
  • Critical
  • Cynical
  • Disdainful
  • Droll
  • Facetious
  • Flippant
  • Giddy
  • Humorous
  • Insolent
  • Ironic
  • Irreverent
  • Joking
  • Malicious
  • Mocking
  • Patronizing
  • Pompous
  • Quizzical
  • Ribald
  • Ridiculing
  • Sad
  • Sarcastic
  • Sardonic
  • Satiric
  • Scornful
  • Sharp
  • Silly
  • Taunting
  • Teasing
  • Whimsical
  • Wry

These words remind me of temperaments that we put our characters through.

Would you use one more than another?

Try it out!

In summary, bear in mind that you’re not reading a Wabi-Sabi post for the plot.

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The title is a little bit of a misnomer, but I know that as devoted reader of Writeropolis Industries, you’ll appreciate my humor.

Maybe the post isn’t meant to be funny.

But the joy is finding fun in something that simply exists.

Let’s connect!

I’m here to help you on your creative journey. So ask me anything.

You can connect with me on Discord during the week, email me directly, or book your FREE 15-minute consultation.

I promise to respond within 24 hours.

If you’re so inclined, I invite you to subscribe to my mailing list for downloadable writing resources and weekly emails from me about the writing life.

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https://writeropolis.com

I'm as American as apple pie but as Asian as lumpia.

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