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黑色幽默
hēi sè yōu mò
dark humor
这个故事充满了黑色幽默，让人笑中带泪。
This story is filled with dark humor, making you laugh and cry at the same time.
literary
A form of humor that treats serious, disturbing, or taboo subjects (e.g., death, war, crime) in a nonchalant or absurd manner, often highlighting the absurdity or cruelty of human existence.
作家通过黑色幽默的手法讽刺了官僚主义的荒谬。
The writer satirized bureaucratic absurdity through the use of dark humor.
Often used in literature, film, and satire to critique societal issues.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
Black humor often relies on cultural and contextual understanding. What may seem shocking or offensive in one culture might be seen as clever satire in another.
Gold Rule
Avoid Overuse
Black humor is best used sparingly and in appropriate contexts. Overuse can make it seem forced or insensitive.
Word Origin
The term 'black humor' (French: humour noir) was coined by French writer André Breton in 1935, later popularized by American writer Mary McCarthy. The Chinese term '黑色幽默' (hēi sè yōu mò) is a direct translation, combining '黑色' (black, dark) and '幽默' (humor).
Usage Notes
Black humor is often associated with existentialism and postmodern literature. It is distinct from sarcasm or irony in its focus on taboo subjects with a detached, often shocking tone.
Word Breakdown
黑色
black/dark
root幽默
humor
root汉英词典