Deadpan comedy (also known as dry humor) is a comedic style defined by the delivery of witty, absurd, or ironic jokes with a completely serious, expressionless, and emotionless face. The humor arises from the stark contrast between the often ridiculous content of the joke and the performer's calm, "deadpan" (or "dead-faced") demeanor.

Key Characteristics and Techniques
Impassive Delivery: The performer acts as if they are stating a simple, boring fact rather than telling a joke.

Tone of Voice: Often delivered in a monotone or with minimal, dry inflection.

Timing and Subtlety: Relies heavily on precise pauses, allowing the absurdity of the statement to land without over-explaining it.

Juxtaposition: The humor is created by juxtaposing a chaotic or silly situation with a calm reaction.

Conciseness: Often involves brief, sharp one-liners or understatements.

Examples and Context
Notable Comedians: Steven Wright (known for stoic one-liners), Mitch Hedberg (laid-back, quirky observations), Buster Keaton ("The Great Stone Face"), and Aubrey Plaza.

Television/Film: The Office, Parks and Recreation, Nathan for You, and Flight of the Conchords.

Origins: Rooted in vaudeville and silent films, it has evolved to become a popular, versatile style in modern comedy.

Deadpan comedy is often considered a "smarter" form of humor because it requires the audience to detect the irony and "get" the joke without being told it is funny.