People laugh because something unexpected or silly happens, like when you trip over your own shoelace! When we hear a joke, our brain expects one thing and gets another. That surprise makes us feel happy and causes us to laugh. It's like when you're waiting for ice cream and instead get a surprise cake, it's so much better!
Examples
- A kid sees their mom eating a sandwich made of cookies and says, 'This is the best day ever!', and laughs because it's completely silly.
- Your friend tells you they're going to the beach, but then adds, 'and I'm bringing my pet iguana.' That’s just funny enough to make you giggle.
- You’re told a joke about a chicken crossing the road, and then the punchline makes you laugh because it was unexpected.
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See also
- Why Do People Like Humor and What Makes Something Funny?
- What Makes Us Laugh?
- Why Do People Laugh When Something Surprises Them?
- Why Do We ‘Laugh’ When We’re Happy and What Makes Some Jokes Funny?
- Why Do We Tell Jokes at Parties?
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