Theory of Incongruity

The Theory of Incongruity explains humor by highlighting the unexpected mismatch between what is anticipated and what actually occurs. When our minds recognize something that doesn't fit with the surrounding context or our expectations—creating a sense of surprise or contradiction—it often triggers amusement. This discrepancy between expectation and reality is what makes something funny. In essence, humor arises when the brain detects an incongruity and resolves it in a way that’s amusing or clever, providing a mental "twist" that entertains and engages us.