Humor research

thumb|Two girls laughing Gelotology (from the Greek gelos "laughter") is the study of laughter and its effects on the body, from a psychological and physiological perspective. Its proponents often advocate induction of laughter on therapeutic grounds in alternative medicine. The field of study was pioneered by William F. Fry of Stanford University.

An in-joke, also known as an inside joke or a private joke, is a joke with humour that is understandable only to members of an in-group; that is, people who are in a particular social group, occupation, or other community of shared interest. It is, therefore, an esoteric joke, only humorous to those who are aware of the circumstances behind it.

Conjectures explaining humor

use of timing to enhance a comedic purpose

term used by Richard Wiseman of the University of Hertfordshire in 2002 to summarize one of the results of his research