Where does the sense of ridicule come from and what is its function?

The sense of ridicule takes shape with the shame, fear or nervousness produced by the idea of ​​being laughed at, of looking bad in front of others… Most of us have it, but what function does it really serve?

Did you know that there is a pathological fear of making a fool of yourself, the so-called gelotophobia? We reflect on these phenomena and analyze what may be happening when this sense of ridicule either does not exist, or becomes limiting or disabling.

What is the sense of ridicule?

The word “ridiculous” comes from Latin ridicule and this of the verb rider (laugh), along with the instrumental suffix –culum. It also comes from Latin reticuluswhich means ‘net bag’. When we talk about something ridiculous, we are referring to something that can be considered extravagant, grotesque, shocking… and that usually provokes a certain ridicule, laughter or surprise in people. The word has several meanings:

Something that, due to its rarity or extravagance, moves or can cause laughter. Strange, irregular and of little appreciation and consideration.

On the other hand, when we talk about the sense of ridicule, we are referring to the fear that others will laugh at us for some reason. It is a feeling that paralyzes us when it comes to acting, precisely because of that fear of looking bad or for others to realize our “mistakes”, laugh about it or judge us.

For example, it arises from fear of “messing up,” making mistakes, tripping in the middle of the street or in front of many people, etc.

Sense of ridicule: a lot, a little or nothing?

Most people have a certain sense of ridicule (especially those who are more insecure, or who tend to take criticism as personal attacks), although not all. There are people who simply don’t care what other people think.

However, the absolute lack of the sense of the ridiculous (taken to the extreme) It has been related to psychopathic and asocial personalitiesin which there is an exaggerated disregard for social norms and a lack of respect for others.

On the other hand, and as a curiosity, a study published in the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP) attributed the absence of the sense of ridicule (along with other characteristics) to prepubescent children with ADHD.

An excess of sense of the ridiculous

In general, people who have an excessive sense of the ridiculous tend to be more shy and insecure. Furthermore, they overvalue social conventions. They also have great sensitivity to the judgments and opinions of others, perhaps fueled by low self-esteem and a great fear of “what they will say.”

They can also be very self-demanding people who constantly observe themselves (the so-called self-observation), who are very aware of what others may say or think about them, because they need to always do it well, no matter what, in search of that demand or perfection.

From the sense of ridicule to social phobia

On the other hand, when the sense of ridicule is extremely marked and, in addition, is added to other symptoms, then social phobia may appear. Social phobia is characterized due to intense fear (or anxiety) of social situations.

What we really fear is being exposed to people’s scrutiny, with that great fear of making a fool of ourselves. In this case, the sense of ridicule is very present in the person’s life.

What is the sense of ridicule for?

The sense of ridicule It is actually a psychological defense mechanism, which leads us to avoid situations that would cause us discomfort or embarrassment. In reality, shame is an emotion that plays a key role in our personal relationships, and can lead us to be more cautious, control impulses, and repair damage.

However, this mechanism can be inadequate (or rather, poorly adaptive or functional) when it blocks us and leads us to constantly avoid social situations. In avoidance, the person establishes false reasoning aimed at avoiding this type of circumstances and thus free yourself from the possibility of facing the distressing situation.

Thus, a certain sense of ridicule can “protect” us (at the level of self-esteem, for example), but when it is excessive, it paralyzes us and, furthermore, makes us give more importance to situations that may not have it.

Gelotophobia or pathological fear of ridicule

Having a sense of ridicule is not the same as fear of making a fool of yourself.. As a curiosity, we find a concept that refers to this fear of making a fool of ourselves taken to the extreme. We are talking about gelotophobia, a term that is described in a study published in the International Journal of Development and Educational Psychologywhich derives from the Greek term gelos (laughter) and that indicates a pathological fear of laughter, of ridicule.

As a general cause of gelotophobia, the authors propose repeated traumatic experiences in which one has made oneself ridiculous (or has been ridiculed), during childhood and adolescence. As a result of this, “the shameful opinion of making oneself ridiculous or feeling ridiculous will become habituated during the identity formation process of the child or young person, thus producing a defensive lifestyle that tends to avoid ridicule”.

So, People with this sense of ridiculousness taken to the extreme are convinced that there is something wrong with them.and that makes him appear to others as someone ridiculous, being the object of all the laughter.

As we have seen, the sense of ridicule has its meaning, its “function”, and in a certain way it is logical that we have it. However, if this is too rigid or excessive, can lead us to avoid situations, or make it difficult for us to be ourselves, which limits us.

And you, do you have a sense of the ridiculous? Do you think it is adaptive or rather, does it limit you?

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