Self-deprecation

Self-deprecation, or self-depreciation, is the act of belittling or undervaluing oneself. It can be used in humor and tension release.

In comedy

Self-deprecating humor relies on the observation of something negative about the person delivering the commentary. Many comedians use self-deprecating humor to avoid seeming arrogant or pompous, and to help the audience identify with them. In this way, the use of self-deprecating humor could be seen as an application of the rhetorical concept of ethos. This is seen as a major component of the comedy of comedians such as Louis C.K., Don Knotts, Woody Allen, Larry David, Jon Stewart, Ricky Gervais, David Letterman, Craig Ferguson, Brian Regan, Richard Pryor, Rodney Dangerfield, John Pinette, Conan O'Brien, Vadivelu, Chelsea Handler, Stephen Merchant, and Tina Fey.

The technique is often used to balance the audience judgment on a performer, after exhibiting conspicuous displays of arrogance.

Professionals in any given field will also either avoid typical jargon and use lay terms to be understood and therefore appreciated by the masses.

Such humour is often stereotypically associated with people from the United Kingdom.

See also

• Outline of self
• Self-hatred
• Self-parody