Although these three things intermingle with each other, what makes each of them distinct from one another?
What's the difference between comedy, being funny, and making people laugh?
That's a good question. I suppose they're generally all the same thing - although if a mischievous kid makes his schoolmates laugh by suddenly burping during a maths lesson then it's not really 'comedy', even if it got a bigger laugh than a 'proper' comedian performing a stand-up routine!
So I suppose 'comedy' suggests something done professionally, although that wouldn't apply to, er, amateur comedy. Or, comedy could suggest that it's funny stuff which is pre-planned, with a structure to it, but then that wouldn't apply to Improv! So I dunno!
So, that SORT of answered your question...
Comedy is structured.
The second is an attribute, if you're talking about a person.
The third - could be the same thing as the second, but could, I suppose be accidental.
A bloke falling off a ladder into a load of fresh cement might make people laugh - but the guy himself might not be a funny.
Quote: a plate @ 28th April 2023, 8:28 PMcomedy could suggest that it's funny stuff which is pre-planned, with a structure to it, but then that wouldn't apply to Improv!
Improv surely falls into the Being Funny slot, if you're naturally funny off the cuff. It also reveals how many stand ups aren't naturally funny. And some who get laughs with them are using well rehearsed stock replies (ie. structured) in the way Bob Monkhouse used to do jokes based on random topics.
Not meaning to be too arch but Comedy can mean just making people smile, as is the current trend for many sitcoms. Its Shakespearean definition was just a happy ending, instead of a Tragedy (people dying all over the place), whereas the very trendy Dark Comedy is usually a Tragedy in those terms, but makes people laugh. So it's all a bit hard to define.
Comedy is of course people rushing in and out of a plethora of opening and closing doors with split second timing with an unfortunate lack of trousers and the odd vicar thrown in.
Quote: Billy Bunter @ 1st May 2023, 8:31 PMComedy is of course people rushing in and out of a plethora of opening and closing doors with split second timing with an unfortunate lack of trousers and the odd vicar thrown in.
Yes, that pretty much sums it up.....................for you, Mr Rix
Quote: Alfred J Kipper @ 1st May 2023, 9:56 AMImprov surely falls into the Being Funny slot, if you're naturally funny off the cuff. It also reveals how many stand ups aren't naturally funny. And some who get laughs with them are using well rehearsed stock replies (ie. structured) in the way Bob Monkhouse used to do jokes based on random topics. Not meaning to be too arch but Comedy can mean just making people smile, as is the current trend for many sitcoms. Its Shakespearean definition was just a happy ending, instead of a Tragedy (people dying all over the place https://www.comedy.co.uk/forums/thread/36907/ https://tombofthe-mask.com), whereas the very trendy Dark Comedy is usually a Tragedy in those terms, but makes people laugh. So it's all a bit hard to define.
While comedy is a broader concept that encompasses various forms of entertainment, being funny and making people laugh are more personal and individualistic aspects. Being funny is an attribute or skill that someone possesses, while making people laugh is the action of successfully eliciting laughter from others.
Comedy is the big picture, being funny is the skill, and making people laugh is the end result.