Library / Deadpan Humor
Reference Guide
What Is Deadpan Humor?
Deadpan humor presents something funny, ridiculous or absurd with an intentionally serious or emotionally restrained tone.
The comic contrast
The audience recognizes the absurdity while the speaker or object behaves as though nothing unusual is happening. That contrast can make the premise funnier.
Deadpan books and objects
A deadpan book can look serious, formal or literary while the underlying premise is ridiculous. The Archive uses this contrast across its books and physical objects.