Definitions by MaddieV

Punching up or punching

"Punching up or punching down" describes whether a joke, comment, or criticism targets someone with more social power or status (punching up) or someone with less power or status (punching down). The phrase is often used to discuss whether humor challenges powerful people or unfairly targets vulnerable groups.

Before making the joke, the comedian thought about wheather it was punching up or punching down.

Punching up or punching by MaddieV September 14, 2026