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It's no secret that having a sense of humor is crucially important in life. A healthy sense of humor allows you to fill your days with positive emotions, heal you when you're feeling under the weather, and even nourish you with some health benefits. The simplest way to get your daily dose of dark humor is, of course, a nice list of dark humor memes.

There are times when we're not feeling our best selves, which is when something laughter-inducing could come in handy and shift our focus from the overwhelming thoughts. However, sometimes watching a comedy show is simply not hitting the right spot, so people turn to the one and only salvation — dark humor memes. 

It's a controversial genre, as quite a few folks loathe it. Yet it acts as somewhat of an emotional release in times of need. Instagram page DarkerSideHumor collects dark humor memes, and we've gathered the very best ones for you to look at. 

More info: Instagram

#1

Unfiltered Survival Truths

Tweet by darkersidehumor with text about coping mechanisms and dark humor.

darkersidehumor Report

What Qualifies As Dark Comedy?

To put it simply — dark comedy and dark memes, in essence, are jokes that laugh about taboo subjects. To put it even simpler, these are the jokes that laugh at things that shouldn’t be funny in the first place or are hard to discuss. However, as we all know so well, laughing at our hardships and misfortunes makes them so much easier to bear! 

The term black comedy itself isn’t so old as it was first used in 1935 by French Surrealist theorist Andre Breton who used it to describe the writings of Jonathan Swift. Later, in 1940, Breton combined and then published an Anthology of Black Humor, citing works of over 40 famous writers. And the rest is history because now, we probably cannot even live a day without some twisted humor in it!

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    #2

    Not a Fan of Calls

    Dark humor meme about preferring text messages over phone calls with the explanation "I don't like it."

    darkersidehumor Report

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    What Are Some Good Dark Humor Memes? 

    There’s always a fine line between truly good dark humor and something subpar. So, what makes some examples of this style stand out, is a truthful approach to the subject matter while offering a piece of absurdity based on our reality. 

    As you’ll see, plenty of dark humor memes on this list offer just that — they don’t cross the line to vulgarity but rather give you a fresh perspective of everyday woes, making them seem smaller and less significant. 

    Is Having A Dark Sense Of Humor A Good Thing?

    Despite all these possible explanations, being funny is truly a blessing. Folks that are so unintentionally witty don't only enhance their own lives but also allow others to experience a positive wave of emotions. After all, a dark sense of humor is like your mind's immune system — it protects you from all these harmful feelings and allows you to live a healthy and carefree life.

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    Moreover, there are a few physical benefits triggered by laughter. For instance, the physical action of actively laughing burns quite a few calories and unmistakably makes your day better. How cool is that?

    #5

    Gifted with Sass

    Cartoon of a father giving dark humor advice to his son at a playground with a slide in the background.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #6

    Nap Hack for Survivors

    Red book cover showcasing a dark humor meme about saving money by sleeping until noon.

    darkersidehumor Report

    Does Everybody Get Dark Humor Memes?

    While the basic humor is appreciated by the most, not everyone is fond of extremely dark humor memes. Many folks use dark humor to deal with stressful or unpleasant situations. While it's understandable that some might not find it appealing — it's also very clear why many prefer this type of comedy.

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    Life is hard, and you never know what obstacle will encounter during your time on this planet. Hence, the least you could do is lower your stress levels with a couple of jokes. Whether it's a distraction, a coping mechanism, or a way of helping you accept the situation or event, the only thing that matters is that you feel better.

    There will always be someone who'll disapprove of your character or hate your liking of dark humor memes. But, in reality, there's no way you could satisfy everyone — even if you changed. There'll always be someone who will find your behavior offensive. However, as long as you know you're not hurting anyone, why not squeeze in a few dark jokes?

    #7

    Regretting That Alarm Early

    Dark humor meme on improving your day with an early run to avoid worse scenarios.

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    Random Person
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    100% guaranteed to cure depression \s

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    #8

    Escape Mode Activated

    Dark humor meme about naps as a way to avoid life's challenges, shared by darkersidehumor on Twitter.

    darkersidehumor Report

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    #9

    Surviving on Minimal Effort

    Wilting plants with sign saying "I'm not dead, this is just how I look." Dark humor meme about plant appearance.

    darkersidehumor Report

    Are Dark Humor Memes Appropriate?

    It seems like dark humor is actually quite popular nowadays. Whether it's because we've been through a couple of life-changing events and our minds are coping and trying to recover this way, or it's simply something that people find relatable – dark humor jokes like that often empower folks to open up and talk about sensitive and serious subjects.

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    Whether you're a fan of the funniest dark humor memes or not, it's important to give ourselves permission to laugh or joke about the negative parts of our lives. After all, our existence doesn't only consist of beautiful and colorful things — but laughing could definitely get you a little bit closer to experiencing life at its fullest.

    #10

    Trauma\'s Unexpected Perk

    Dark humor meme with text about trauma making someone funnier, not stronger.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #12

    Therapist Took Notes Fast

    Dark humor meme about a first therapy experience and a therapist writing faster after a joke.

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    #14

    Lost in Translation

    Tweet by Aly Dixon with a dark humor meme about a doctor's check-up and mental health, dated September 24, 2021.

    aly__dixon Report

    #15

    Mood Level: Squidward

    Squidward looking tired at work and in bed, capturing dark humor.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #16

    Chunk It Into Pieces

    Cartoon figure humorously breaking down a big task into smaller, ignorable tasks in a dark humor meme.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #17

    Emotional Traffic Jam

    Tweet about childhood emotions, showcasing dark humor memes with a witty question on emotional expression.

    witchashtyn Report

    KitFrey
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wait other people don't get the back of throat feeling when they have to cry?

    Bexx 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Does anyone else ever get that weird thing where you’re trying not to cry in front of someone and you can feel yourself making a weird face. Like your mouth muscles twisting in a weird unnatural way?

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    MoJo1979
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Stop crying or I'll give you something to cry about was often heard in our house.

    Loki’s Lil Butter Knife
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ufff, I had that as well. It was horrible and makes a child terrified to express any emotion or even apologize.

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    Emily Jones
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i was allowed to express feelings as a child but eventually i was called weak and too sensitive by my own mother so i ended up slowly building up that pain because i never cried.

    NsG
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they must be talking about a very specific pain in the back of the throat caused by bottling up feelings? I was not emotionally repressed as a child (as apparently expressed by this entry), but my throat hurts pre and post cry, depending on the intensity.

    CelticElff
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hello, emotional neglect...

    Grace Walsh
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like I’m not allowed to cry in front on my parents after they yell at me. I know that it seems like I should just “man up” and “suck it up”, but sometimes it’s hard.

    Raven DeathShade
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I KNOW I'm not supposed to cry in front of my parents, but they yell at me for smiling too, which is the only other alternative. Whoo.

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    Christina Gomez
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't get that pain because I can't help crying. I just hate myself for it, especially when I'm mad crying and can't express why I'm mad

    Pam Bissonette
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ooohhh thanks for the info. This is me also 100

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    Bruno
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    *insert sad Minecraft doggo noises here*

    Bettie-Jean Neal
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup, no crying or she'd give me something to cry about. I"m 52 and still don't cry unless I'm by myself and even then, I berate myself for it (you're weak, grow up, stop crying like a baby, be an adult).

    K Witmer
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I hate crying. It's exhausting. I wasn't allowed to cry in front of my dad. I was w my mom who had custody of me thank god

    Leonel Lopez
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought that was part of the rape?

    Purple People Gal She/Her
    Community Member
    1 year ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm aloud to express my emotion but I just don't like to cry infront of anyone

    Flora Porter
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The throat is where a lot of us cut off emotion. I've had an aching throat for the last thirty years.

    Nicola Power
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I just smile and go to the bathroom and then I cry. Then splash my eyes with really cold water and come out smiling.

    Achilles Heel
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hey now, what did I do to get called out?

    Emma Hilliard
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I felt the pain because I was very emotional

    Klopec
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    From an English family, no crying.

    BatPhace
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was allowed to express emotions and I still get the back of the throat thing wtf?

    Catrovert
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought that everybody got that feeling 😓

    Chaya Collins
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    WAIT I THOUGHT I WAS THE ONLY ONE

    Mikan_Junko
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that is true i was never aloud to cry or else i would be yelled at

    Yuri Shonen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No. It went away after a while. Along with my emotions

    foofoofloofy
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I laugh when I have to cry. It comes from a SUPER unhealthy place, but hey.

    Nikolai Buscho
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And then you just swallow and go on with your day because emotions are bad.

    Blackstone
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was never able to hold in tears. However, I never cried when I was sad. I only ever cry when I'm completely and utterly furiously frustrated. If I'm crying, it's because I am fighting the urge to beat the crap out of someone. If I'm crying....run because I'm about to lose my s**t.

    Demon Girl
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are you talking about when your throught gets all heavy, and it's hard to talk and when you do it sounds muted and stops for random reasons sometimes? because I get that.

    malenchki
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Lol my mum says I just need to get over my severe anxiety and crippling depression… but tells me that she knows how I feel. Thanks mum this is why I don’t trust you with anything 👍👍

    Cara Kelly
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh this makes me feel a little too exposed

    Sean
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment has been deleted.

    Mzzzz
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This hit me hard.. I was not ready for this.

    Lottie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    it hurts badly too. like yeah the emotional pain but the back of the throat pain HURTS

    Renee Genora
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yup., that's why I can't sometimes

    Ashley Schriber
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was allowed, but the responses I got never felt very good. So I still ended up rarely expressing them.

    Insert Generic Username
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I obviously do not speak for everyone but we were encouraged to openly express our feelings as children and I get the lump in the throat/discomfort when I feel the need to cry.

    Tracy Wallick
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why you gotta call me out like this

    Pam Bissonette
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm a giant crybaby and never felt the throat thing

    Jesse
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This attacked me personally

    Luther von Wolfen
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't get that. I just seize up with shame and force the feelings back down.

    Brian Bennett
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    An emotional child - please explain in detail!

    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My parents would have preferred if we cried, but we did hold back the majority of the time. My brother got in trouble for laughing during a 'family meeting' where we were talking about my other brother being taken off the ventilator, even though it was a defense mechanism.

    Jackie
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    or try to suppress it as much as possible?

    DogGoneOlive
    Community Member
    3 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    well if i cried as a child my mother/father would say "clean yourself up right now" which meant to stop crying and man up so i usually always held my tears until i was alone and then i'd start sobbing

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    #18

    Luck Doesn’t Always Help

    Student's yearbook photo with dark humor caption about being a "bad boy."

    darkersidehumor Report

    #19

    Free Housing, Priceless Stress

    Dark humor meme about living with parents and its impact on mental wellbeing.

    drivingmemadi Report

    Meridith
    Community Member
    3 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    small* hahaha. Hilarious! ahhhh if only.

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    #20

    Quirky Truths in Thread

    Embroidery hoop with dark humor text: “People, what a bunch of bastards,” featuring a small pink rose.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #21

    Procrastination, Perfected

    Dark humor meme about procrastination: "The two stages of procrastination: 1. Meh I'll do it later 2. Oh no."

    darkersidehumor Report

    Lulxby
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You know you're smart if you can procrastinate for a week then submit a 7-page essay the night before it's due, and still get a passing grade.

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    #22

    Kids’ Wild 40 Fantasies

    Dark humor meme about kids writing what turning 40 feels like, with humorous descriptions by children aged 8 and 9.

    darkersidehumor Report

    Space Whale
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Honestly I can relate to most of the second one

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    #23

    Achievement Unlocked: Nada

    Man sitting exhausted by laundry basket, showcasing dark humor.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #24

    Overthinking and Avoiding Reality

    Tweet featuring dark humor about life choices and avoiding texts, posted by user with profile photo and blue tick.

    psychedamygdala Report

    #25

    Meeting Prep Mode

    Dark humor meme of an introvert's schedule with meeting prep and recovery times.

    darkersidehumor Report

    Meridith
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    11:30 totally dread/regret from waking up

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    #26

    When Words Just Aren\'t Enough

    Crying girl drawing with a red crayon, illustrating a dark humor meme about replying to emails.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #27

    Lost in Translation

    Chat screenshot with a humorous response from technical support agent Daniel.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #28

    Unfiltered Reality Check

    Tweet with dark humor about government actions and being less surprised, aimed at lightening up your day.

    solomongeorgio Report

    Rage of Aquarius
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Works well for us "conspiracy nuts" too. I've never once said "OMG really?!" only ever "I told you they were gonna do that."

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    #29

    Living on Borrowed Time

    Dark humor meme about houseplants humorously stating their demise for personal reasons.

    vsmarzz Report

    #30

    When Life is Your Alarm Clock

    Tweet by Adedamola with dark humor about turning 25 and waking up without an alarm.

    Mr90n27 Report

    Rage of Aquarius
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For me it was fifteen. I started waking up an hour before my alarm and panicking until I had to get up.

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    #31

    Corporate Wellness, Medieval Style

    Dark humor meme depicting medieval figures discussing mindfulness webinars.

    darkersidehumor Report

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    #32

    Dark Bonds Only

    Cartoon characters making a deal labeled "Free healthcare" and "Dark humor" with a caption, "Not everyone gets it."

    darkersidehumor Report

    #33

    Math Class Mysteries

    Funny dark humor meme with a math problem about apples, showing tears on a notebook page.

    psychedamygdala Report

    R Carson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah....like the math story problems about trains passing speed and all that.

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    #34

    All Talk, No Move

    Chess piece on a tiny board with dark humor caption about offering help but being unhelpful.

    darkersidehumor Report

    Emerald Ocean
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If u are not into chess u won’t get it lol so I’ll explain. The knight (horse piece) can only move in L shapes and since it is in the middle it can do nothing at all

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    #35

    Retail Therapy Rules

    Tweet from darkersidehumor about daily Amazon packages preventing depression, showcasing dark humor.

    darkersidehumor Report

    R Carson
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Until...... the credit card bill comes.

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    #36

    Workplace Reality Check

    Venn diagram illustrating dark humor with circles labeled "Things I Need" and "Things I Don't Want" overlapping at "My Job".

    darkersidehumor Report

    #37

    When Art Speaks Volumes

    Dark humor meme collage featuring classic artworks and a chart.

    darkersidehumor Report

    Brian Bennett
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes I wonder if the depression caused them to paint so well or depression was caused because they were not appreciated!

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    #38

    Financial Follies Uncovered

    Tweet from Parik Patel questioning why a portfolio remains in the red, showcasing dark humor.

    ParikPatelCFA Report

    Tracy Danis
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m always suspicious of people that have more letters after their name then their actual name. Like who are you trying to impress?

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    #39

    Peak Performance Incoming

    Graph depicting dark humor with productivity increase on Adderall refill day.

    darkersidehumor Report

    #40

    Behind the Data Mask

    Man sharing dark humor meme about his work performance, highlighting humorous take on mental health.

    darkersidehumor Report

    NsG
    Community Member
    3 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ladies and gentlemen and everyone else, may I present: the functional depressive.

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