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What are Inside Jokes?

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An inside joke is humor that requires information that is only available to a social group. This can be as small as a joke between two people or as large as a joke targeted to an industry, profession or subculture. Inside jokes are a way to build rapport as they demonstrate your social or professional connection.

Inside Jokes vs Callbacks

Callbacks are a storytelling and comedic technique that use information previously presented in a story to craft a joke. This can build rapport with an audience as they feel like inside jokes.

Inside Jokes & Manners

It is generally considered impolite to use inside jokes in a way that excludes people to whom you are addressing. When someone doesn't get an inside joke they may feel socially excluded. In some cases, inside jokes are used as a political tactic to demonstrate social connection while excluding someone. For example, a senior member of a team may use humor that is only understandable to other senior members based on some past experience. This may serve to highlight that certain members of a team are newbies.
If you feel that someone is using an inside joke as an attempt at social exclusion, a common countermeasure is to ask for the missing piece of information. This may lead to an interesting story that pulls you closer to the group.
Overview: Inside Jokes
Type
Definition
A joke based on shared information between individuals, a social group, profession, industry or subculture.
Value
Builds rapport by demonstrating shared experience.
Related Concepts

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Improv
Deux Ex Machina
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Figurative Language
Macguffin
Hypothetical Question
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Myth
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Plot
Jumping The Shark
Quibble
Rhetorical Device
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Lost The Plot
Satire
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Tone Of Text
Understatement
Metaphysical Conceit
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