terms of comedy

[rsjacqueline]

what does the phrase "reversal or substitution of words, identities, or conventional wisdoms' with reference to comedy mean?

[Casiopea]

Well, reversal or substitution of words refers to, for example, Anthimeria. That's when one part of speech, usually a verb, but not always, is used for another part of speech, usually a noun, but not always; e.g. Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert co-opted the word "truthiness". From "truth" (meaning, something based on evidence, logic, intellectual examination, or actual facts) plus -y giving, "truthy", plus -ness giving, "truthiness" (meaning, things that we just believe because they feel right.