Many literary figures of past centuries considered puns to be the “lowest form of humor.” English playwright John Dryden described them as “the lowest and most groveling kind of wit.”
These renowned figures deride puns for lacking intellectual challenge, as well as their simplicity and predictability.
However, those on the other side believe otherwise. As Boston-based writer and Wit’s End author James Geary wrote, “puns point to the essence of all true wit – the ability to hold in the mind two different ideas about the same thing at the same time."
In a conversation with CBC Radio, Geary once again spoke highly of puns, referring to them as “the highest form of wit.” As he noted, it’s bringing together surprising combinations from starkly different things.
“That just shows a really nimble imagination at work, which I think is part of the essence of human creativity,” he stated.”
Geary, however, offered a caveat: Puns must be used sparingly, noting that the low-hanging fruit jokes can be tiresome.
“The project of punning is never a lowly one, but I think, as with all good things, puns should be indulged in moderation,” he stated.
We also had the opportunity to speak with a few experts who gave their take on seeing the silliness of life. According to burnout coach Christina Cherry, brief moments of play not only lower cortisol levels but also release endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin.
“Moments of levity also improve cognitive flexibility, strengthen neural pathways involved in creativity and problem-solving, and support long-term brain health,” she told Bored Panda.
Dr. Boris Cicak, an MD at Neurogan Health, provided insights on how being less serious and more humorous relates to brain activity. As he explained, humor forces your brain to analyze problems in a non-linear way.
“They see the threats, but actively focusing on the ironic or absurd elements of the situation turns it into an everyday experience, and nothing to be afraid of,” Dr. Cicak noted.
