HUMOR KAO NAČIN ISKAZIVANjA NADMOĆI VODITELjA U KVIZU „NAJSLABIJA KARIKA“

Abstract

In this paper we study the different ways in which humor is utilized in the TV quiz show “The Weakest Link” (the version broadcast in the USA during 2020). The aim of examining humor in this context was to show the way the host uses humor to exercise her position of power over the contestants. We used the theoretical frameworks of Dynel, Culpeper and Haugh to explain the different forms of humor, adding other authors where additional explanations were needed. We can observe the following schemas of humor that the show host uses: (1) the host uses wordplay to (subtly) mock the intelligence and knowledge of the contestants; (2) the host uses the contestants’ vocations and hobbies as a basis for her ironic and sarcastic comments; (3) the host, via metalanguage, jests about the quiz format, the television setting or pop culture in general; (4) the host comments on the interaction between the contestants in a humoristic way.