Like Spontaneous / Prepared, subconscious assessments associated with the third humor gauge Temporary / Permanent matter most in real situations.

When someone vandalizes a real stop sign by writing the word ‘vandalism’ underneath the word STOP, the resulting message counts as ironic humor. But it makes a different for humor perception whether the new word is written with chalk, erasable marker, paint, or etched in with an acetylene torch. All humor gauge alternatives reflect tradeoffs: temporary can make humor more fleeting, and permanent can increase distraction if it involves things like property damage.

Return to Humor Gauges

Return to the second Humor Gauge Spontaneous / Prepared

Continue to the fourth Humor Gauge ACCIDENTAL / INTENTIONAL