Incongruous laughter refers to laughter that occurs in situations where it seems inappropriate or unexpected. This type of laughter can arise during serious conversations, tense moments, or when someone is discussing sad or distressing topics. It often catches people off guard and can create confusion about the emotional context of the situation. This phenomenon can be linked to psychological responses, where individuals may laugh as a coping mechanism to relieve stress or anxiety. Incongruous laughter can also be seen in various forms of media, such as in the works of Charlie Chaplin or Monty Python, where humor is derived from unexpected contrasts.