Why do we laugh at naughty stuff?
Scribbled penises, MILF on a car! Humor is the ultimate antidote to shame - and we all need the dose.
Why is it that a badly drawn penis on a bathroom stall or a cheeky “MILFs” on a car rental sign sends us into fits of giggles?
Why is it that a crude little stick-figure penis or a defaced sign that says “MILFs” can leave us in stitches? Is it because deep down, we’re all just overgrown teenagers? Well, maybe. But it’s also because humor has this sneaky way of exposing shame for the powerless, joy-killing villain it really is.
When we laugh at the naughty or absurd, we’re not just cracking up—we’re liberating ourselves from the fear of judgment. Humor is like that friend who always says, “Oh, who cares? Let’s just laugh!” And let’s be honest, we need more of that in a world that takes itself way too seriously.
Naughty Is a Little Bit Nice
Why do we find taboo stuff funny in the first place? It’s simple: breaking the rules feels good. Not in a set-the-world-on-fire way, but in a cheeky, harmless way. A “naughty” joke, a silly doodle, or an offbeat pun gives us permission to poke at society’s no-no zones without actually crossing the line.
Take the car rental sign-turned-“MILFs,” for example. Really, it’s just a letter changed. But in your mind? It’s a full-on comedy concert. Why? Because it’s harmlessly rebellious. You know you’re not supposed to laugh, which makes it even funnier. Psychologists call this benign violation theory: when something feels “wrong,” but not too wrong, we laugh. It’s the same reason fart jokes will always be funny, no matter how old or mature we pretend to be.
Shame’s Kryptonite
Shame and humor are natural enemies. Shame thrives in dark, awkward corners, whispering, “Don’t you dare laugh. What will people think?” But humor? Humor flips the light on, grabs a megaphone, and yells, “Who cares? This is hilarious!” It’s like sprinkling water on the Wicked Witch of the West—shame melts, and suddenly, you’re free.
Think back to a time when you embarrassed yourself—maybe you mispronounced a word, sent a text to the wrong person, or tripped in public. Shame would’ve had you quietly dying inside, but humor turns that moment into a story. “Remember that time I accidentally sent a peach emoji to my boss? Iconic.” Humor reframes the situation, shifting the power dynamic. Instead of being controlled by shame, you’re laughing at it.
Shared Laughs, Stronger Bonds
Humor isn’t just about cracking yourself up—it’s about connection. Think about the times you’ve laughed until you cried with your friends. Those moments aren’t just entertaining; they’re intimate. When you laugh with someone over something slightly inappropriate, you’re saying, “Hey, I trust you enough to share this with you.”
This is why shared laughter over taboo humor is so powerful. It’s like a secret handshake for the people who get it. A well-timed joke about a rogue penis doodle, and suddenly, you and a stranger are besties. Why? Because you both decided to embrace the ridiculousness instead of pretending to be above it.
The Feminist Case for Naughty Humor
Let’s take this up a notch, shall we? For women especially, humor that plays with the taboo isn’t just funny—it’s empowering. We’ve spent centuries being told to be “appropriate,” to not laugh too loud, and to definitely not find anything sexual remotely amusing. (Spoiler: we didn’t listen.)
By laughing at the things we’re “not supposed to,” we’re breaking down those outdated, patriarchal ideas of what it means to be “ladylike.” Finding a silly doodle hilarious or cracking up at a pun like “MILFs” isn’t immature—it’s a middle finger to anyone who says women can’t embrace their humor, sexuality, and joy.
Why We Should Laugh More
Here’s the thing: life is weird. It’s messy, awkward, and full of moments that could either make us cry or make us laugh until our stomachs hurt. Choosing humor doesn’t mean you’re ignoring life’s seriousness—it means you’re refusing to let the serious stuff have the last word.
A silly doodle on a bathroom wall might not solve all your problems, but it can remind you not to take everything so seriously. And that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? When we laugh at something taboo, we’re making space for joy, connection, and a little rebellion against shame’s suffocating grip.
The Final LOL
So, the next time you catch a ridiculous pun, a goofy doodle, or a slightly risqué joke, don’t stifle the giggles. Let yourself laugh. Snort if you have to. Shame might try to crash the party, but humor will always send it packing.
Because let’s be real—life’s too short, “appropriate” is boring, and doodles of stick-figure penises? Still comedy gold.
