A sense of humor: an inheritance or social construct?

To attract or divert attention, to seduce, to gain perspective, to soothe pain, to alleviate a tragic event, to create a bond... humor can fulfill many functions and be used in many situations. So the question remains: is it an inherited gift or a social construct?

Is a sense of humor passed down from our dear parents, just as they can pass down the shape of our ears? A study recently published in Twin Research and Human Genetics sheds some light on the matter. Scientists looked at 1,300 pairs of twins, each of whom was asked to write a caption under a different cartoon. The aim? To be able to assess each person's sense of humor, and compare it with that of their twin. The result? Genetic transmission could not be proven, and no evidence of inheritance was found. According to the researchers, education, environment and entourage have a greater influence on a person's sense of humor.

Because if humor isn't passed on, it can develop over time and become a real asset. It's by dint of observation, identifying what's funny or laugh-out-loud funny, and manipulating words that the magic happens. Sometimes, all it takes is a well-timed silence, the repetition of a gesture or a well-placed pun, and the smiles start coming.

From childhood

Although it's more of an involuntary reflex, babies smile from their earliest days on earth. At two months old, a baby's smile is voluntary; at 4, a grimace, a sound or a scratch can make them laugh. As for the "peek-a-boo" game often played when changing diapers, it provokes laughter at around 9 months. At one year old, a completely unexpected gesture is enough to make your adorable toddler laugh. At three years, it's words, especially nonsense words,  provoke laughter. Finally, between the seventh and eighth year, children are sensitive to puns and even manage to have fun with them. Combined with language development, social interaction influences and builds a sense of humor throughout childhood.

(Emma Jacquier with Malvina Parker/©The Global Lifestyle 2026/Picture: OurWhisky Foundation via Unsplash)