laffinité

Laffinité is a term used in sociolinguistics and cultural studies to describe a phenomenon in which humor acts as a primary mechanism for social bonding and group affinity in contemporary communities, particularly online.

The word blends elements of humor and affinity and was coined in early 2010s discussions about how shared jokes and playful signaling shape social ties. Laffinité signifies that laughter, when shared and reciprocated, can create durable connections and a sense of belonging among members.

Key features include the emergence of shared humor norms, the regular use of inside jokes and memes, and rituals of playful interaction that reinforce group identity. It often manifests in online platforms, creative teams, and local communities where members consistently respond to humorous content and participate in humor-driven collaboration.

In practice, researchers and practitioners assess Laffinité through metrics such as interaction density, reaction and reply rates to humorous posts, and the creation and spread of co-authored memes. In branding and community design, the concept has been used to cultivate humor-driven spaces that promote engagement, loyalty, and a sense of insider status.

Critics argue that an emphasis on humor can exclude individuals who do not share the same comedic codes and may encourage cultural homogenization or miscommunication across diverse groups. The concept remains debated and is one of several frameworks for understanding social bonding and identity in the digital age.

See also: Affinity, Humor theory, Social bonding, Online communities, Community of practice.