Self-Deprecating Humor

Post Reply New Topic

I'm curiuos to know if any of you use self-deprecating humor as a social buffer. It seems to work well enough for me. When I'm wearing a lil' thin I just make a joke about how i'm obnoxious, a know it all, socially awkward, etc. Then the person just laughs acts like "oh he's actually very witty and charming"

On the down side some people seem to think I have low self esteem because of it......Though those people are often very ignorant and shallow minded.


So what are your guys' thoughts on this technique?

It's good to be able to poke fun at yourself.

At work I sometimes make jokes about how i am skinny such as "I am so macho". I am stronger than I look and the people I work with know that so the self deprecating humor works well.

All the time, almost to the point where it probably makes people feel uncomfortable. My favorite is when I pass by a crying child and their eyes light up and a smile appears on their face without exception. If I know the parents at all, I'll always tell them how the child must think when looking at me "you know what? On second thought, my life isn't so bad after all!". I frequently poke fun at my lack of success with women, lack of social life and my obsessions but I'm not doing it due to lack of self-confidence, rather it's the only way I can successfully deal with my awkwardness in a social setting.

I'm a huge fan of this kind of humour. It helps me feel confident and helps me realize that everyone has flaws...and the people who I get along with the most tend to use it. Maybe it's why I feel so comfortable with them.

I used to do this. Later I realized when using self-deprecating humor, many times the people would laugh AT you instead of your jokes. It ruptures your social value and makes you a clown. People don't respect that. Even if they enjoyed your humor and wanted you to be in their company, it's often so that they could make fun at your expense.

I actually am quite self-deprecating inside my head, but I've learned that it can be a bad idea to express it, since it can make me seem weak. There is a certain way of using self-deprecating humour that actually makes you seem strong rather than weak, but it is hard to get the hang of.

There is sometime I usually joke on myself as "junior" or "internship worker" in front of my junior colleagues. They usually laughed. And this relieved a lot of the awkward or quiet moment.

However, I know I look so immature than my actual age. And actually I hate how I look because I am quite unattractive in the way I look, which is stupid and naive.

I always thought this is a way to imply ideas like: "hey, even I look naive, I am a very humble guy and potentially got hidden wisdom".

Self deprecating humour is really the only humour I can pull off. Even when I'm making a normal joke I usually stuff it up and the joke becomes about the way I said the joke rather than the joke itself. I feel more comfortable around my friends now that I can express my flaws in a positive light.

Self deprecating is my bread and butter social buffer. Humor in general, as I'm now realizing, is how I've compensated for social weirdness. I'm all jokes until I get really comfortable.

But with self deprecating, you gotta make sure your jokes don't make you look like you're not confident. They should humble you, but not beat you down.

Funny enough, some of my jokes are really dry and the self deprecation is nearly hidden. Very subtle. I wonder if people even get that I'm ultimately making fun of myself, which might make those jokes backfire....I dont know....

I have self-deprecating humor but that's mostly just because I suck.

I do it sometimes, but not very well

_________________
I'm giving it another shot. We will see.
My forum is still there and everyone is welcome to come join as well. There is a private women only subforum there if anyone is interested. Also, there is no CAPTCHA.

The link to the forum is http://www.rightplanet.proboards.com

I use it but the big problem I had with it is that people didn't know I was joking. They believed the negative things I said about myself; if I joked that I was retorted; they'd start treating me like I was & if I joked that I was crazy they would become afraid of me

I find self deprecating humor to be quite refreshing to see sometimes as they recognize they have flaws, but they are OK with it. Makes for a nice change of style compared to your typical egomaniacs that think they are perfect. I wouldn't do it too often unless its with close friends as it can show signs of weakness which could make certain people have a lack of respect for you.

I agree with others here who said you have to be very careful how you do it or it can make you lose people's respect.