Dictionary of American idioms. 2013.
Gallows humor — (Galgenhumor in German), derives from gallows which is a platform with a noose used to execute people by hanging. Gallows humor is the type of humor that still manages to be funny in the face of, and in response to, a perfectly hopeless situation … Wikipedia
gallows humor — gallows ,humor noun uncount humor about unpleasant or serious things such as death or disease … Usage of the words and phrases in modern English
gallows humor — ☆ gallows humor n. amused cynicism by one facing disaster; morbid or cynical humor … English World dictionary
gallows humor — noun : humor that makes fun of very serious or terrifying situations * * * noun [noncount] : humor that relates to very serious or frightening things (such as death and illness) * * * ˌgallows ˈhumour f7 [gallows humour] (especially US ˌgallows… … Useful english dictionary
gallows humor — noun Comedy that still manages to be funny in the face of, and in response to, a horrible, deathly, tragic, dramatic, perfectly hopeless situation. Author Neumann defiantly admits why he wrote this historical romantic farce: Because I wanted to… … Wiktionary
gallows humor — humor that treats serious, frightening, or painful subject matter in a light or satirical way. [1900 05] * * * … Universalium
gallows humor — morbid humor, black humor … English contemporary dictionary
gallows humor — noun Date: 1901 humor that makes fun of a life threatening, disastrous, or terrifying situation … New Collegiate Dictionary
gallows humor — gal′lows hu mor n. humor that treats serious, frightening, or painful subject matter in a light or satirical way • Etymology: 1900–05 … From formal English to slang
gallows' humor — {n. phr.} Bitter joke(s) that make fun of a very serious matter, e.g. death, imprisonment, etc. * /When the criminal was led to the electric chair on Monday morning, he said, Nice way to start the week, eh? / … Dictionary of American idioms
