[Vocabulary] a macabre sense of humour

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Nathan Mckane

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Howdy!

a macabre sense of humour

I found the phrase above in a dictionary. I know the meaning of the word macabre. It means frightening, but I don't know why it is used with humour since they are somehow the opposite!
Would you please explain it for me?
Thanks very much.
 

apbl

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Somebody with a macabre sense of humour is somebody who finds macabre stories or situations amusing. This kind of person would be sure to enjoy "black comedies" for example.
 

bhaisahab

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Howdy!

a macabre sense of humour

I found the phrase above in a dictionary. I know the meaning of the word macabre. It means frightening, but I don't know why it is used with humour since they are somehow the opposite!
Would you please explain it for me?
Thanks very much.
Somebody who has a macabre sense of humour is somebody who finds frightening things funny.
 

Ouisch

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One example of a macabre sense of humor is this cartoon by Charles Addams, which shows the Addams family pouring boiling oil on some unsuspecting Christmas carolers.
 
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