What is meta humour?

Meta humour is a type of humour that involves the acknowledgment and subversion of the conventions and expectations of traditional humour. It often involves making jokes about the structure and format of comedy itself, breaking the fourth wall, or commenting on the act of telling a joke.

Meta humour can be very effective at engaging audiences, as it encourages them to think critically about the comedic material and to participate in the joke-telling process. It can also be a useful tool for comedians who want to push the boundaries of traditional humour, or who want to experiment with different styles and techniques.

One famous meta-humourist was the comedian Andy Kaufman, whose performances often involved breaking down the barriers between performer and audience, or intentionally subverting the expectations of his audience. Another example of meta-humour can be seen in the British TV series "Monty Python's Flying Circus", which frequently used surreal and absurdist humour to comment on the absurdity of everyday life.