Abstract
In this paper, we analyze humorous mockery in terms of politeness. Using data from a Chinese standup comedy competition, Rock and Roast, we demonstrate that politeness is a determining factor in the contestants’ selection of targets for their mockeries (primarily those close to them), in the characteristics of the targets being mocked (primarily those that reflect the targets’ persona as opposed to the person), and in the fact that, when individuals are expressly mocked, they are very often vehicles for parodic or sarcastic criticisms of specific social issues. By looking at how politeness interacts with the play frame of the standup comedy genre, our paper contributes to both humor research and politeness theorizing.
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