Politeness in Roasting: When Humour Meets Power

Politeness in Roasting: When Humour Meets Power
Yusuf   Al Arief

Universitas Lambung Mangkurat

Abstract

This research examines the use of politeness strategies in stand-up comedy roasts. Specifically, it examines how comedians manage power dynamics and societal standards of politeness while addressing those in authoritative positions in a given society. The author investigated stand-up comedy roasting using Brown and Levinson's politeness theory and prior research on humor and impoliteness. The results indicate that comedians used numerous politeness methods, including the use of compliments or flattery, indirectness or hedges, and off-the-record discourse, to achieve their humorous objectives. This research provides insights into how comedians utilize language and humor to manage challenging social situations by implementing the politeness strategies theory.

Keywords: politeness strategies, stand-up comedy roasting, power dynamics, humour

https://ijolcc.org/index.php/ijolcc/article/view/3