Q: I appreciate your distinguishing between definitions of sadism (e.g., clinical, colloquial). Another word I've wondered about is "sarcasm." I grew up thinking that "sarcasm" was like "sadism," ...

Young children don't get sarcasm – but by the time they're teens, it can be their default mode. Here's what science tells us about the mental acrobatics behind that wry one-liner. If I were to tell ...

In an episode of "The Simpsons," Professor Frink, left, demonstrates his latest creation: a sarcasm detector. ©2003 THE SIMPSONS and TTCFFC ALL RIGHTS RESERVED FOX In an episode of “The Simpsons,” mad ...

Sarcasm may work for comedians, but when it comes to family relationships, it’s no laughing matter. That’s not to say that families shouldn’t be playful and light-hearted. The ability to joke and ...

Of the many forms of humor, from physical comedy to punning, a good joke can certainly lighten the mood. You might poke fun at your romantic partner about a silly mistake, and both of you have a good ...

Of the many forms of humor, from physical comedy to punning, a good joke can certainly lighten the mood. You might poke fun at your romantic partner about a silly mistake, and both of you have a good ...