Researchers from Northern Illinois University have revealed a surprising finding about humor preferences in everyday audiences. The study shows that people tend to prefer wordplay over other types of jokes, even when the reaction is not loud laughter. The results were published in Elsevier coverage of the research.
Examples of the wordplay in question include lines like elevators scare me, I take steps to avoid them or I was so broke in college that I could not pay my electric bills, these were the darkest days of my life. While audiences may groan rather than laugh at such quips, those reactions often signal approval rather than annoyance. The research team reached this conclusion after conducting interviews with 300 participants. Volunteers described their joke preferences and completed a personality assessment. The outcome showed word games among the most popular humorous genres, with many listeners enjoying the chance to hear jokes about themselves.
Many observers previously labeled wordplays as language nerd humor that could hinder clear communication. Some even speculated that puns might offend, similar to hostile online commentary. The NIU researchers were surprised to find broad affection for wordplay, with a clear preference for puns over ten alternative joke formats. The researchers suggested that humorous stories grounded in real-world observations can compete effectively with wordplay when crafted well. The study underscores that audiences often respond positively to clever wording and playful linguistic twists, even when the initial reaction is a groan. [NIU Study, 2024]
In practice, this means that creators and presenters who lean into witty phrasing and self-referential humor can connect with diverse groups. Wordplay invites listeners to engage, think briefly, and enjoy linguistic cleverness without needing a big punchline. This trend has implications for writers, comedians, marketers, and educators who seek to communicate more memorably. The findings encourage a broader view of humor that values linguistic agility and observant wit as legitimate, effective communicative tools. [NIU Study, 2024]