Context is every part of a humor event that’s not the kernel. Clash Theory recognizes two types of context: the Humor Context and the Full Context.

The HUMOR CONTEXT collects six different humor event components that help or hinder observer perception of humor kernels.

5 Disposition elements help bring about a humorous mood and increase awareness of humorous potential.

6 Exposition gives observers information needed to detect and understand both halves of a humor kernel.

7 Setup is the most culturally familiar humor context component and involves setting the stage for a humorous reveal.

8 Subject Matter supplies the conceptual foundation and framework for the other context components and the humor kernels themselves.

9 Distraction covers those elements that push an observer’s attention away from potential humor kernels.

10 Humor Gauges are a set of five subconscious evaluations that strongly affect how humor is perceived.

The FULL CONTEXT is everything over-and-above humor. It’s what humor is a part of: an advertisement, a song, a presentation, a conversation. It’s everything left over if you could somehow remove all humor (trained professionals only; do not try this at home). All non-humorous parts of a humor event do not belong to Humor proper. Clash Theory doesn’t explore full context possibilities – only how humor and full context relate. The final three humor event components only materialize when humor is a part of a larger non-humorous whole.

11 Density measures the number of visible humor kernels and how frequently they appear

12 Humor Percentage is the observer’s sense of how large a part humor plays.

13 Humor Harmony describes the relationship between humor and its full context. Does the humor enhance or diminish? Complement or fragment? Emphasize or irritate?

Return to the first broad category Kernel

Continue to the first Humor Context component Disposition

Skip to the third broad category Culture