Cold comedy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cold comedy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a style of humor that is detached, ironic, or dark in nature, often lacking warmth or emotional engagement. Example: "The film's cold comedy left the audience in a state of uncomfortable laughter, as it tackled serious subjects with a chilling sense of humor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

You just warmed my cold comedy writer's heart.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

As the relations among the family members and their employees blossom into marital combat, generational conflict and quiet class war, Mr. Im, with serene, almost voluptuous assurance, creates a tone that hovers between ice-cold comedy and feverish melodrama.

The New York Times

Mr. Allen used the house for an exterior shot in the 1994 television version of his 1966 cold-war comedy "Don't Drink the Water".

The New York Times

The most likely art house hit, shown at Sundance, is Sophie Barthes's comedy "Cold Souls".

The New York Times

9. Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene The cold war as comedy.

The Guardian - Books

After years of unsuccessful movie roles (the nadir was probably 2001's Out Cold, a snowboarding comedy starring Lee Majors), now Galifianakis finds himself firmly in the spotlight.

The Guardian - Film

Then there was his performance in the ice-cold, ultra-black comedy World's Greatest Dad, in 2009, in which he plays another creepy yet tragic character, a high-school teacher whose son dies in a grisly accident, and who then concocts a bogus suicide note and rides a wave of celebrity and sympathy.

The Guardian - Film

Nesbitt got his breakthrough television role playing Adam Williams in the romantic comedy-drama Cold Feet (1998 2003), which won him a British Comedy Award, a Television and Radio Industries Club Award, and a National Television Award.

Wikipedia

That was the conceit of the Cold War's greatest comedy, "Dr. Strangelove," and it was the conceit of North Korea's recent rocket-launch extravaganza.

The New Yorker

After more than ten years at Granada television - where her stellar career was launched with the mould-breaking comedy drama Cold Feet - she joined BBC Films last autumn.

The Guardian

The theater also drew emerging filmmakers like Sophie Barthes, who recently said she had been impressed with the "engaged" audience and their questions about her "Cold Souls," a quirky comedy starring Paul Giamatti.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Cold comedy" to specifically describe humor that lacks warmth or emotional connection, often relying on intellectual detachment.

Common error

Avoid using "Cold comedy" to describe humor that is simply offensive or cruel. The term implies a detached, intellectual approach, not necessarily a mean-spirited one.

Linguistic Context

Cold comedy" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a type of humor. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to classify comedy that is detached, ironic, or dark.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Cold comedy" is a descriptive noun phrase used to classify a specific type of humor—one that is detached, ironic, and often dark. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Though not frequently encountered, it appears primarily in news and media contexts, where it serves to categorize comedy that lacks warmth or emotional engagement. Related phrases like "dark humor" and "black comedy" share similar themes but may convey different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dark humor

Focuses on the morbid or taboo aspects of comedy.

Black comedy

Emphasizes the tragic or disturbing elements of a comedic work.

Ironic humor

Relies on a contrast between expectation and reality for comedic effect.

Deadpan humor

Delivers jokes with a straight face, devoid of emotion.

Satirical comedy

Uses humor to critique societal issues or individuals.

Dry wit

Characterized by subtle and understated humor.

Absurdist comedy

Focuses on the illogical and nonsensical aspects of life for comedic effect.

Gallows humor

Finds humor in desperate or life-threatening situations.

Wry humor

Expresses humor with a touch of cynicism or resignation.

Sardonic comedy

Involves scornful or mocking humor.

FAQs

How can I define "Cold comedy"?

"Cold comedy" describes a style of humor that is detached, ironic, or dark, often lacking emotional warmth. It's a type of comedy that can be intellectual and sometimes unsettling.

What are some synonyms for "Cold comedy"?

Alternatives to "Cold comedy" include "dark humor", "black comedy", or "ironic humor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "Cold comedy" the same as "Dark comedy"?

While similar, "Cold comedy" often implies a more detached and intellectual approach compared to "dark comedy", which can be more visceral and emotionally charged. "Black comedy" also shares similar qualities.

How do you use "Cold comedy" in a sentence?

You might say, "The play's "Cold comedy" left the audience unsure whether to laugh or feel disturbed", or "His stand-up routine was an example of "Cold comedy" at its finest".