Deadpanning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deadpanning
[ˈdɛdˌpænɪŋ ]
Definition
style of humor
Deadpanning refers to a mode of comedic delivery in which a person presents a joke or humorous statement without any visible emotion or change in facial expression. This style often relies on the contrast between the serious demeanor of the speaker and the absurdity of the content being presented. It is commonly used in stand-up comedy, television, and film, creating a distinctive form of humor that can be both surprising and engaging. The effectiveness of deadpanning lies in its ability to catch the audience off guard by juxtaposing serious delivery with a funny premise.
Synonyms
impassive, matter-of-fact, stoic.
Examples of usage
- The comedian excelled at deadpanning his jokes.
- She delivered her absurd statement completely deadpan.
- He is known for his deadpan style on the show.
- Her deadpan expression made the joke even funnier.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Many famous comedians, such as Steven Wright and the cast of 'The Office,' have mastered deadpanning, delivering laughs with straight faces.
- TV shows often use deadpan humor to add layers to characters, making them more relatable through their serious delivery.
- In movies like 'Airplane!' and 'Monty Python,' characters deliver absurd lines without breaking character, enhancing the comedy.
Psychology
- Research shows that deadpan delivery can create a stronger comedic effect, as it catches audiences off guard with its contrast.
- Deadpan humor can disarm social situations, allowing for awkward or tense moments to be lightened without overt laughter.
- People often respond better to serious tones in humor, which can make them think more critically about what's being said.
Literature
- In literature, deadpan characters often serve as narrators to present absurd situations in a serious light, adding depth to the story.
- Novels by authors like Douglas Adams showcase deadpan narration, where humor arises from the absurdity without overt laughter.
- Writers use deadpan techniques to highlight irony, allowing readers to appreciate the humorous elements through context.
Origin of 'deadpanning'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'deadpan' originated in the 1920s, combining 'dead' (meaning lack of expression) with 'pan,' a style in theater.
- Originally, 'pan' referred to the lack of expression in a performance, but it evolved to describe humor itself.
- The connection of deadpan to humor likely stems from the need for contrast between the serious manner and humorous content.
The term 'deadpan' originated from a combination of 'dead', indicating a lack of expression or emotion, and 'pan', a shortened form of 'panorama', referring to a broad view. The use of deadpan in humor can be traced back to the early 20th century, particularly in the realms of vaudeville and silent films, where performers used understated delivery to enhance comedic impact. It became popular in the mid-20th century with comedic actors such as Buster Keaton and later, in the 1970s and 1980s, with shows like 'Saturday Night Live' that employed deadpan delivery as a hallmark of their sketches. The style has seen a resurgence in modern comedy, becoming a defining characteristic for various comedians and actors who skillfully utilize this approach to create humor in both film and television. The juxtaposition of a serious expression with ludicrous content creates an engaging tension that audiences consistently appreciate.