Hi Straight Dope,
What makes sounds funny? I mean technically. If you hear a spring sound (boing) or the tom-tom sound from cartoons that indicates a character running, it triggers a humorous response. On a more immature note, that scene from Blazing Saddles around the campfire is funny, but what about the sound of breaking wind is humorous? In general, is there a humor to be found in tambre? Unpredictability of sound? A certain range or pitch or instrumentation? Or is all the humor gleaned from context?
Thanks,
Dave
Since whether or not something is funny is a matter of opinion, let’s move this to IMHO.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
Since whether or not something is funny is a matter of opinion, let’s move this to IMHO.
Colibri
General Questions Moderator
Highly artificial sounds can be funny: springs, slide-whistles, trombone wah-wah sounds, etc.
But…perfectly natural sounds (FAARRRRTT!) can also be funny.
An unexpected context can add humor. You’re looking at a lion in the zoo…and a raven makes a loud “Caw” at exactly the moment the lion yawns widely. Now that’s funny!
Anyway, I vote for artificiality coupled with unexpected context.
Quack! (…quack…)