intelligent humor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "intelligent humor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of humor that is clever, insightful, or requires a certain level of understanding to appreciate. Example: "The comedian's routine was filled with intelligent humor that made the audience think while they laughed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It could be very visual for kids, but have intelligent humor for adults".

The New York Times - Arts

Lucas's script has a buzzy, intelligent humor, but it's weighed down by too many contrivances, which the director, Mark Wing-Davey, can only barely contain.

The New Yorker

Fae, who conceived of the play, brings Paul, a magnificently brave woman, to life with a light touch and intelligent humor, and makes plain how much we owe her.

The New Yorker

Ms. Paulson, 34, is a serious-looking blonde, lauded for her intelligent humor on Aaron Sorkin's "Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip" and her subtle evocation of regret in the Roundabout Theater's 2008 revival of "Crimes of the Heart".

The New York Times - Arts

Elizabeth admires intelligent humor and good writing, and injustice and fake news makes her ragey.

HuffPost

And Kojac gives Salieri an intelligent humor often lacking in portrayals of the duplicitous character at the Court of Joseph II of Austria.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

He will always be remembered for his intelligent wit, offbeat sense of humor and an endless spirit and passion for life.

The New York Times

The show, created by and starring Danny McBride, is tailored to their tastes (read intelligent fraternity humor), but feels like a margarine, not butter, version of "Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby," Ginia Bellafante writes.

The New York Times

A gentle and intelligent sense of humor, and a love and appreciation for all.

The New York Times

It's nice to see that the filmmakers are equally adept at comedy — setting a brisk pace, balancing light and dark moments, keeping the dialogue crackling and the humor intelligent and indulging in inventive flights of fancy along the way.

Los Angeles Times

Yet as a fan of Genet and Roger Corman, I couldn't believe the visual panache and intelligent rigor (and humor!) Haynes brought to bear on such an emotional (and at that time confusing) health crisis.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, prefer "intelligent humor" over slang or colloquial alternatives to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using highly specific or esoteric references in your "intelligent humor" if the audience is not familiar with the subject matter. This can exclude readers and diminish the intended comedic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intelligent humor" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to characterize a specific type of humor that is perceived as clever, insightful, and requiring a certain level of understanding. This is confirmed by examples where it modifies creative works and individual traits.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intelligent humor" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe humor that requires a certain level of intellect or sophistication to appreciate. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English and appears most frequently in news and media contexts, as well as in wiki articles. When incorporating "intelligent humor" into writing, it's important to consider the audience's knowledge base and ensure the humor enhances rather than detracts from the overall message. Alternatives like "clever humor" or "witty humor" may be suitable depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clever humor

Focuses on the ingenuity and wit of the humor.

smart humor

Emphasizes the intellectual aspect of the humor.

witty humor

Highlights the quick and amusing cleverness.

brainy humor

Stresses the intellectual capacity behind the humor.

sophisticated humor

Suggests a refined and cultured type of humor.

intellectual humor

Directly refers to the intellectual nature of the humor.

astute humor

Implies a sharp and perceptive quality to the humor.

perceptive humor

Emphasizes the insightful nature of the humor.

knowing humor

Indicates that the humor relies on shared knowledge or understanding.

highbrow humor

Refers to humor that is intellectual or academic.

FAQs

What does "intelligent humor" mean?

The expression "intelligent humor" refers to jokes and comedic styles that rely on wit, cleverness, and a certain level of sophistication or knowledge to be understood and appreciated. It often involves satire, irony, or wordplay that challenges the audience to think.

What are some alternatives to "intelligent humor"?

You can use alternatives such as "clever humor", "witty humor", or "sophisticated humor" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "intelligent humor" appropriate in all contexts?

While "intelligent humor" is generally appropriate, it may not be suitable for all audiences or situations. Consider the audience's background and understanding, as well as the overall tone of the communication. In very informal settings, simpler humor might be more effective.

How can I incorporate "intelligent humor" into my writing?

To use "intelligent humor" effectively, try incorporating subtle wordplay, satire, and references to well-known concepts or events. Ensure that the humor is relevant to the topic and that it enhances the overall message rather than distracting from it.