Gallows humor - Definition and Overview

Gallows Humor is comedy that makes light of death, or other very serious matters. It is similar to black comedy but differs in that it is made by the person affected.

Example

Mercutio is stabbed in a swordfight.

Romeo:

Courage, man; the hurt cannot be much.

Mercutio:

No, 'tis not so deep as a well, nor so wide as a church-door; but 'tis enough,'twill serve: ask for me to-morrow, and you shall find me a grave man.

Example Usage of Gallows