Welcome to Half Time Scholars - On this episode we’re joined by Nicholas Hugman, a PhD researcher at the University of Queensland, whose work explores the nuances of conversational humour—the kind of humour that arises naturally in conversation, distinct from pre-prepared jokes.

While much empirical research has examined conversational humour practices and their functions, there’s been relatively little theoretical work conceptualizing this form of humour.

Nicholas is addressing this gap by theorizing one of humour’s essential features: incongruity. Traditionally studied in linguistic or cognitive terms, incongruity refers to deviations from default expectations.

Nicholas’s innovative approach examines incongruity through an interactional lens, offering fresh insights into how humour operates in everyday conversations. As he approaches the completion of his PhD, with plans to submit in June 2025