Punching up is a term commonly used by SJWs to describe comedy that they deem morally acceptable as the jokes are made at the expense of people they deem are in positions of privilege or power. This can include jokes about men, white people, straight people, cisgendered people, business owners, or landlords. Jokes about any other types of people, most especially trans or nonbinary people, are deemed completely off limits as it is considered punching down.
Person A: I really enjoy Dave Chappelle's comedy. I appreciate how he comes up with an outlandish joke for everyone.
Person B: UNACCEPTABLE! He should've never made jokes about the LGBTQQIP2SAA+ community. Punching up only! No punching down!
Person B: UNACCEPTABLE! He should've never made jokes about the LGBTQQIP2SAA+ community. Punching up only! No punching down!
by RedRosePetal June 15, 2022
Making jokes at the expense of someone who is of a higher level of power in terms of status or privilege.
Racist jokes, rape jokes, gay jokes, are all punching down, because they are all at the expense of the groups with less power. If you flip them around, and make the dominant group the target instead, it is funny to punch up.
by whimsyDances September 13, 2014
When a boxer or person is able to fight above their weight class or if a person is able to take on or accomplish things out side their class.
by Oneofidiots December 05, 2017
Slang (Mainly Brit.)
Slugging Fist-fight which will often involve fairly even numbers and teams of around 5-10 a piece (usually, there are exceptions such as major punch-ups). The fight will continue until either all competitiors have ejected themselves but the victor, or until a form of authority has arrived to separate everyone.
Slugging Fist-fight which will often involve fairly even numbers and teams of around 5-10 a piece (usually, there are exceptions such as major punch-ups). The fight will continue until either all competitiors have ejected themselves but the victor, or until a form of authority has arrived to separate everyone.
by Gumba Gumba February 27, 2004
by Psionic22 February 06, 2010
A term used to describe an act, typically a joke or comedic skit is used by people within marginalized communities to softly jab at a group of more powerful, privileged, or less marginalized people. the person being jabbed at is typically characterized by being of higher wealth or status, white, cisgender or heterosexual, or a native-born, or a combination of all these things.
This can be used as a political statement, peaceful revolt, or just a way to cope by using laughter.
This can be used as a political statement, peaceful revolt, or just a way to cope by using laughter.
by Bunii_ May 25, 2021
I have no idea why he's into me, he's beautiful and has like 3 degrees. Just punch up the sex is probably great
by Somerandomdiva May 03, 2015