black humor

noun

1. a form of humor that regards human suffering as absurd rather than pitiable, or that considers human existence as ironic and pointless but somehow comic.

Word History and Origins

Origin of black humor¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

The tension never lets up throughout “Longlegs,” though it is peppered with a dry, black humor that somehow just makes everything more disturbing.

From Los Angeles Times

With black humor they speak, metaphorically, of ruining their livers by working through the night.

From Los Angeles Times

Flecked with black humor and finely detailed pathos, the show culminates in a heart-wrenching gunfight followed by a well-earned twist ending.

From Los Angeles Times

The film is chock full of black humor set against steampunk visual design.

From Seattle Times

Gilman’s script offers black humor, suspense and a crushing ending.

From New York Times