A Couple Tips on Referential Humor

Referential humor is a great way to make people laugh. But of course, some referential humor is better than others. Yesterday in Legal Profession class my professor made a reference to Mr. Big. I laughed my ass off, but then later found out that the one he was referring to is not the one who wants to be with me. He was apparently referring to some character from Sex and the City, a show I have never seen nor do I ever wish to see.
vs.
(Japandemonium, clearly the coolest and most culturally sensitive album title of all time, is much funnier than the dude on the right. I, too, wish my homeland to be associated with Satan's fortress from Paradise Lost.)

According the Restatement of Humor (Second) § 5.01:

The funniest referential humor is that which refers to
(a) a pop culture icon
(b) of which everyone was aware
(1) more than five years ago
(2) but which they have forgotten.

Comment [1] makes clear why this is so:

The added effect of this kind of referential humor is that people laugh at themselves for having been a fan of the pop culture icon and/or the fact that the joke comes completely out of left field.

Alternatively, a riskier form of referential humor can be found in the Restatement of Humor § 5.05:

If you must make a pop culture reference to an icon that is currently in the spotlight, it should be a more subtle reference. Fewer people will catch the reference, but those who do will be impressed at your cleverness and laugh all the more

An example can be found in my post on tort reform. I don't think anyone caught the joke, but I was explaining what pain and suffering damages are in tort law. The words "pain and suffering," however, were a link, as they are here, and people who follow the link get the joke. I don't think anyone did so, but you should do so now.

I hope this helps those of you who wish to emulate Family Guy in your everyday conversation.