PUN TRANSLATION OR THE BEST OF THE WORST

Abstract

One of the key questions facing humour theorists is the role of incongruity, and its
resolution, in achieving the humorous effect of a joke. The notion of incongruity refers
to some degree of absurdity, illogicality or violation of expectation. An incongruity is, very
roughly, the cognitive conflict that arises when something unexpected happens or is
being said.