What makes ESTJs’ humor unique? We’ll explore that in a bit (through jokes and memes), but first, let’s focus on what humor actually is and why different personality types might prefer different styles of comedy.
Humor is a unique feature of human society and serves more than one function. Most people would agree that it brings joy to interactions, and thus enhances relationships. But it also has a deeper psychological and even physiological dimension. It can serve as a coping strategy or a means of relieving tension in a situation that is perceived as threatening or simply awkward. Whatever its purpose may be, there’s one thing science agrees on when it comes to jokes – it’s not funny when you deconstruct them. So let’s leave it at that.
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ESTJ Humor
Since each of the 16 personality types has a specific way of relating to other people and the world, it makes sense that each type has a preference for a certain style of humor. And, of course, ESTJs are no exception. The Administrator’s preferences are Extroversion (E), Sensing (S), Thinking (T), and Judging (J). On the surface, it may seem that their practical nature and insistence on following rules don’t make for the best comedic mix. But, as with all personality types, there is more to the ESTJ’s traits than meets the eye.
One personality trait that characterizes The Administrators is their directness. It can sometimes be perceived as a lack of sensitivity or disregard for other people’s feelings, especially when taken to the extreme. But we can hardly think of anything that ruins a joke faster than making sure it doesn’t offend a single person. That’s why ESTJs often have a taste for sarcasm and dark humor – styles of comedy that are not afraid to point out people’s mistakes or weaknesses. They tend to appreciate witty or clever humor, probably because it suits their collected and self-assured character.
You can find the individual humor profiles of each personality type here:
- Intellectual types humor: INTJ, INTP, ENTJ, ENTP
- Visionary types humor: INFJ, INFP, ENFJ, ENFP
- Protector types humor: ISTJ, ISFJ, ESFJ
- Creator types humor: ISTP, ISFP, ESTP, ESFP
ESTJ Jokes
The jokes that ESTJs make and enjoy often highlight their own characteristics and ways of thinking. So The Administrator’s comedic style might make fun of their own self-confidence or the perceived incompetence of another person, it really varies.
While The Administrators may make fun of their deficiencies, they will probably do it in a rather confident manner! One ESTJ comedian that did not pull her punches, whether she was making fun of herself or others, is the late and legendary Joan Rivers. Her timeless humor, always delivered with poise, epitomizes the blunt and unapologetic style of The Administrators. Here are a couple of examples of her jokes:
“People say that money is not the key to happiness, but I always figured if you have enough money, you can have a key made.”
“All my mother told me about sex was that the man goes on top and the woman on the bottom. For three years my husband and I slept in bunk beds.”
“I am definitely going to watch the Emmys this year! My makeup team is nominated for ‘Best Special Effects.’”
Comedy comes in many shapes and sizes, but there’s one comedic device that might be the most pervasive of all – exaggeration. Or do you think that’s an overstatement?
When taken to the extreme, any personality type’s traits can create gold comedy. That’s especially true for ESTJs, and the same is exemplified by a myriad of iconic fictional characters in comedy. There is one such character, whose hyperbolized personality makes him a comedic genius (albeit unwittingly). This is Dwight Schrute – assistant (to the) regional manager in the U.S. version of the TV show The Office. Here are a few quotes from him that perfectly encapsulate a magnified version of an ESTJ:
“How would I describe myself? Three words: hard-working, alpha male, jackhammer, merciless, insatiable.”
“People underestimate the power of nostalgia. Nostalgia is truly one of the greatest human weaknesses, second only to the neck.”
“Nothing stresses me out. Except having to seek the approval of my inferiors.”
“Through concentration, I can raise and lower my cholesterol at will.”
ESTJ Memes
Is there anything in this world that has not been explored through memes? If there is then we are yet to discover such a topic. The internet has given all 16 pesonalities the meme treatment, exploring them from various angles. Since anyone can create a meme, the personality types’ depictions might not always be exactly on point (or funny), but they often are. Below we’ve collected a few memes from around the web that capture the unique characteristics of the ESTJ personality type.
The Administrators are well known for their hard-working and disciplined nature. They don’t shy away from responsibilities and are actually energized by them.
ESTJs are natural leaders. They tend to believe in their ability to determine the best course of action in any situation; as they have an objective, fact-based view of the world. This may sometimes be seen by others as stubbornness, especially by types that tend to rely more on intuition.
However, their conscientiousness will likely lead them to accept the occasional mistake, if it happens, albeit reluctantly.
ESTJs’ are among the most emotionally expressive personality types, which may be perceived as a lack of empathy by others. ESTJs may also seem overbearing to more introverted types. This can be especially common in the workplace.
But it may also be the case in personal relationships, where other personality types that operate on a more emotional level may feel unappreciated.
But there’s one thing you can always count on when it comes to ESTJs:
