Funnies Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Historical Origins

• The word 'funnies' emerged in the 19th century, referring to humorous comic strips in newspapers.
• The first comic strip, 'The Yellow Kid,' published in 1895, is considered the start of the funnies phenomenon.
• Funnies evolved from early caricatures and satirical art that poked fun at society and politics.

Pop Culture

• Funnies have played a significant role in shaping modern humor, influencing movies, television shows, and stand-up comedy.
• Iconic characters like Charlie Brown and Garfield originated from comic strips and engaged audiences around the world.
• The Sunday funnies became a weekly tradition for many families, fostering bonding time over laughter.

Psychology

• Humor found in funnies helps release endorphins, reducing stress and enhancing happiness.
• Laughing at funny comics can improve social connections, as sharing humor fosters relationships.
• Studies show that reading humorous material can boost creativity and problem-solving skills.

Literature

• Comic strips and funnies can be considered a form of visual storytelling that conveys complex narratives in a simplified manner.
• Many literary works and graphic novels use humor to critique societal norms and convey deeper messages.
• The interplay of words and images in funnies creates a unique reading experience, blending art with literature.

Art

• Funnies often use exaggerated characters and situations to convey humor, showcasing a unique style of illustration.
• The inclusion of color in funnies, especially in the early 20th century, attracted wider audiences and set trends in comic art.
• Famous artists, like Charles Schulz and Bill Watterson, have left indelible marks with their distinctive approaches to humor in comics.

The term 'funnies' originates from the early 20th century, derived from the word 'funny,' which has roots in the Middle English word 'fonny,' meaning 'strange or odd.' As comic strips became popularized in newspapers and magazines, particularly during the 1920s and 1930s, the colloquial use of 'the funnies' emerged to refer specifically to comic strips designed to amuse readers. The funnies evolved as a staple of American culture, providing light-hearted entertainment and social commentary. As media diversified, the term expanded to include various forms of comedic art, solidifying its place in both print and digital media.

Ranking #39,201, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 39198 videographer
• 39199 excoriate
• 39200 seined
• 39201 funnies
• 39202 bicameralism
• 39203 centesimal
• 39204 cohesively
• ...