black comedy

noun

1. comedy that employs morbid, gloomy, grotesque, or calamitous situations in its plot.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black comedy¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

A prime example of this is his Oscar-winning black comedy Pulp Fiction.

From BBC

Morris received a supporting actor nod for his turn as reliable North Dakota Deputy Witt Far in the fifth season of “Fargo,” the FX black comedy crime anthology created by Noah Hawley.

From Los Angeles Times

The black comedy was ultimately well received by critics and general audiences alike, grossing $117.6 million worldwide and receiving plenty of awards attention.

From Los Angeles Times

In its sophomore year, the black comedy drama garnered 23 Emmy nominations — including Plaza’s for best supporting actress in a drama — and won in five categories.

From Los Angeles Times

Physical travail being an inexhaustible source of black comedy and a recurring metaphor for the human condition in Beckett’s writing, the depiction of mortal decline is on point.

From Los Angeles Times