How long does this quiz take?

It takes about two minutes to complete.

Are my responses private?

Yes, all answers are anonymized and confidential.

Can I take this test more than once?

Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your results may have changed.

What is the difference between aggressive and self-defeating humor?

Aggressive humor is directed outward at others through sarcasm and ridicule, while self-defeating humor is directed inward, often at one's own expense in a way that is unhealthy or maladaptive.

Can an aggressive humor style be beneficial?

While risky, aggressive humor can serve as a bold form of social commentary, injecting energy into a conversation or challenging the status quo through sharp wit.

Uncover whether your sharp wit builds bridges or burns them with our Aggressive Humor Style Test.

Aggressive Humor Style Scale

Do you laugh with others, or at them?

By Mark Travers, Ph.D. | Last Updated: December 15, 2025

Reviewed by Jourdan Travers, LCSW

The Aggressive Humor Style Test is designed to help you explore your own style of humor, specifically focusing on wit that utilizes sarcasm, irony, and ridicule. This type of humor is a bold and often edgy form of communication, but it carries the inherent risk of causing tension, discomfort, or hurt feelings. Understanding your natural tendency towards this style is the first step in harnessing your wit to be constructive rather than divisive.

Identifying how aggressive your humor style is isn't about claiming a title, but about recognizing the real-world impact your jokes and comments have on the people around you. Aggressive humor can be a double-edged sword: it can inject energy and prompt critical thinking by challenging the status quo, yet it also risks alienating others or being seriously misunderstood. Learning to navigate this style with tact is essential for maintaining healthy social interactions.

This inventory is informed by research that defines four primary humor styles: aggressive, self-enhancing, affiliative, and self-defeating. By reflecting on the statements below, you can gain a clearer insight into the unique blend that defines your laughter. You may also be interested in exploring the Self-Defeating Humor Style Scale or the Passive Aggression Scale to gain a more complete picture of your interpersonal communication style.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this quiz take?: It takes about two minutes to complete.
Are my responses private?: Yes, all Aggressive Humor Style Scale answers are anonymized and confidential.
Can I take this test more than once?: Yes, you can retake the test any time to see how your Aggressive Humor Style Scale results may have changed.
What is the difference between aggressive and self-defeating humor?: Aggressive humor is directed outward at others through sarcasm and ridicule, while self-defeating humor is directed inward, often at one's own expense in a way that is unhealthy or maladaptive.
Can an aggressive humor style be beneficial?: While risky, aggressive humor can serve as a bold form of social commentary, injecting energy into a conversation or challenging the status quo through sharp wit.

Aggressive Humor Style Scale: Take The Test

Step 1: Rate Your Humor Style

For each statement, indicate how much you agree on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 5 (Strongly Agree). For best results, answer honestly and trust your first instinct.

1. My sense of humor frequently results in people feeling offended or hurt.

2. I join in when my friends are making fun of someone or laughing at another person.

3. I enjoy using humor to criticize or make fun of others.

4. I often tease people when they mess up or make a noticeable error.

5. I rarely worry about whether my jokes might offend or hurt someone.

6. I sometimes say something funny without considering if it's appropriate for the current setting.

7. I use teasing as a regular way to communicate with and relate to others.

Step 2: Enter Your Demographics

Provide your age, gender, region, and first name for a detailed report comparing your results to others.

What is your age?

What is your gender?

What region of the world do you live in?

What is your first name?

Step 3: Submit Your Aggressive Humor Style Scale Answers

After completing all questions, click below to send your responses to Mark Travers, Ph.D. All answers are anonymized and confidential.

References

Martin, R. A., Puhlik-Doris, P., Larsen, G., Gray, J., & Weir, K. (2003). Individual differences in uses of humor and their relation to psychological well-being: Development of the Humor Styles Questionnaire. Journal of Research in Personality, (2003)37. 48-75. doi:S0092-6566(02)00534-2

Disclaimer

This scale is designed for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment.