meaning - What is the difference between "wry" and "dry" humor?


Please describe the differences between wry humor and dry humor.


Research

But I'm not really certain there actually is a difference. I think it's just as possible the two are completely interchangeable terms.


I'm looking for a canonical consensus of opinion (or a split opinion) here amongst the world's leading experts—yes, this means you, english.se.



Answer



"Wry" evolved from a meaning of "to twist". Applied to humor, it refers to humor that is bitterly or disdainfully ironic or amusing; distorted or perverted in meaning; warped, misdirected, or perverse; words that are unsuitable or wrong; scornful and mocking in a humorous way--it covers a lot of territory (see WordReference.com). Here is a link to examples of wry humor: https://www.pinterest.com/karenegeberg/wry-humor/. A few samples:



Inside every older person is a younger person wondering what the hell happened.


I'm sorry I hurt your feelings when I called you stupid. I really thought you already knew.


I swear; if my memory was any worse, I could plan my own surprise party.



"Dry" humor is often called deadpan humor because it is delivered with a straight face and a serious tone, as if it is not intended to be funny. A good discussion of dry humor here: http://simplicable.com/new/dry-humor.


In general, humor is based on a sense of the unexpected, inexplicable, ridiculous and ironic. The deadpan delivery enhances that because the serious tone makes it more-so, and may even lead to a "delayed reaction", where you don't recognize the humor until later. Wry humor can be delivered in a deadpan manner.


A lot of comedy is delivered with facial expressions or acting out to provide a reinforcing image. Some old-time comics would employ a technique like a drum "rimshot" to flag the punchline. Some humor is just funny on a surface level, or incorporates words that sound funny. What makes dry humor unique is that it isn't always obviously funny, especially with a deadpan delivery; you often need to think about it. The humor is entirely within the meaning of the words.


Steven Wright's humor is a great example of dry humor. Samples here: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/steven_wright.html. A few examples:



I intend to live forever. So far, so good.


Whenever I think of the past, it brings back so many memories.


I think it's wrong that only one company makes the game Monopoly.


If it's a penny for your thoughts and you put in your two cents worth, then someone, somewhere is making a penny.


What's another word for Thesaurus?


I used to work in a fire hydrant factory. You couldn't park anywhere near the place.



Comedian Henny Youngman was famous for one-liners delivered in a deadpan manner. Much of his humor was both wry and dry. For example, his most famous line:



Take my wife ... please.



If you never saw the delivery, "Take my wife" was said as if he was using his wife as an example to set up a situation, as in "Take my wife [for example]." After a brief pause, the "please" turned it into a request.


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