A classic example of physical comedy that most people recognize is someone slipping on a banana peel. When they fall, it instantly makes us worry about their safety. But if they get up and dust themselves off, the situation becomes light-hearted—and that’s what makes it funny.
“That’s as close as we come because there are no cultural norms, there is no language, and it all is connected to that idea of physical play,” McGraw sums up. “But as you know, not everybody finds pratfalls to be amusing, so there are real limits to the universality of comedy.”
McGraw’s research shows us that it’s perfectly normal to find humor in unusual things. Whether it’s a silly pratfall or a questionable meme, these moments bring us joy and relief. So, embrace the absurdity and enjoy the jokes that brighten your day.
