Cards Against Humanity's name is a satirical play on the phrase "crimes against humanity," directly reflecting its often offensive and politically incorrect nature.
The Origin and Meaning Behind the Name
The popular party game, Cards Against Humanity, derives its distinctive title from a deliberate subversion of the serious legal term "crimes against humanity." This provocative choice immediately signals the game's unique and often controversial content, which revolves around dark humor, shocking scenarios, and politically incorrect jokes.
The game itself originated with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2011. From its inception, the creators aimed for a game that challenged conventional sensitivities, and its title perfectly encapsulates this ethos. By juxtaposing the gravity of "crimes against humanity" with a card game, the creators highlight the game's intent to push boundaries and provoke laughter through satire and irreverence.
Understanding the Connection
To fully grasp what "Cards Against Humanity" stands for, consider the conceptual link:
| Phrase | Core Meaning | Game's Interpretation (Satirical) |
|---|---|---|
| Crimes Against Humanity | Grave offenses against groups or individuals. | The game's content, which can be seen as "offensive" or "bad" in a humorous, exaggerated way. |
| Cards Against Humanity | A party game built on offensive, shocking humor. | The very act of playing, and the content itself, is "against humanity's" conventional politeness. |
This play on words is central to the game's identity, inviting players to embrace a sense of humor that is often absurd, uncomfortable, and designed to elicit gasps as much as laughter. The game's mechanics involve players completing fill-in-the-blank statements with the most outrageous, humorous, or politically incorrect white cards from their hand, further reinforcing the "against humanity" theme in its gameplay.
For more information about the game, you can visit its official website or its Wikipedia page.
