Esoteric languages are programming languages created primarily for experimentation, humor, or artistic expression rather than practical use. They often have unconventional syntax and semantics, making them challenging to understand and use. Examples include Brainfuck, which uses a minimalistic set of commands, and Whitespace, where only spaces, tabs, and line breaks are significant. These languages are often designed to push the boundaries of programming concepts or to serve as a form of intellectual challenge. While they may not be suitable for real-world applications, they can provide insights into the nature of computation and inspire creativity among programmers.