The Myth

Humans are the only creatures blessed with the gift of laughter. Or so the myth goes. It’s the idea that our unique ability to crack a joke, snort at a meme, or dissolve into giggles while watching baby goat videos makes us fundamentally different from the rest of the animal kingdom. According to this belief, animals may bark, chirp, or bray, but they’re not sharing inside jokes or chuckling at slapstick comedy. While it might be comforting to think we’re the exclusive members of the laugh club, the reality might make you laugh (or cry) harder.

Origin

The roots of this myth may lie in humanity’s relentless quest for superiority. Since the dawn of time, we’ve sought reasons to elevate ourselves above the rest of nature, and laughter has served as one of our self-designated badges of distinction. Some anthropologists suggest that the myth may stem from early studies of human behaviour, where laughter was linked to complex social structures and advanced cognition.

Another possible origin could be tied to religion and philosophy. Thinkers like Aristotle believed that laughter was a divine gift unique to humans, a mark of our advanced moral and intellectual nature. Later, during the Enlightenment, philosophers emphasized rationality and emotions as hallmarks of humanity, with laughter playing a starring role.

Pop culture hasn’t helped either. Ever seen a stand-up special starring a chimpanzee? No, but you’ve probably watched a cartoon where animals are exaggerated to mimic human behaviours. This anthropomorphism reinforces the idea that laughter is our exclusive domain. The myth persists because, quite frankly, humans love to gatekeep joy.

And let’s not forget: Humans are also prone to believing things without much evidence. I mean, some folks still think cracking your knuckles gives you arthritis or that you can sweat out toxins at the gym.

The Science

Prepare to have your worldview tickled: humans are not the only animals that laugh. Science has shown that laughter—or laughter-like behaviour—exists in many species. From rats to dolphins to dogs, our fellow creatures have their own unique ways of expressing mirth, even if they’re not lining up for open mic nights.

Primates are perhaps the most well-documented animal laughers. Chimps and bonobos, our closest relatives, emit vocalizations that researchers describe as laughter during play or tickling. These sounds may not have the rich tonal variety of a human laugh, but they serve a similar purpose: bonding, social interaction, and communicating safety.

But laughter isn’t just for the primates. Rats—yes, rats—emit ultrasonic chirps when they’re tickled. If you’re already squirming because you’re imagining rats as adorable tickle monsters, congratulations, you’re part of the club of humans who’ve underestimated animal emotions. These chirps are associated with positive emotional states, suggesting that rats laugh to express pleasure.

Dogs have also been observed making specific “play-panting” sounds during social interactions, which some researchers liken to laughter. And don’t even get me started on dolphins. Their high-pitched squeals and clicks during playful activities suggest that even the ocean’s comedians enjoy a good laugh.

This discovery challenges the myth of human exceptionalism, much like learning that stress doesn’t turn your hair grey overnight. Perhaps the real takeaway is that animals experience joy and bonding in ways that are eerily familiar to us, even if they’re not guffawing over the latest TikTok trend.

Evidence

Scientific studies have gone to great lengths to explore laughter in animals, and the findings are both fascinating and humbling. For example, in 2003, researchers at Bowling Green State University conducted experiments on rats to investigate their ultrasonic chirps. They discovered that these chirps increased during play and tickling, strongly suggesting that the behaviour is akin to laughter. Rats even sought out tickling interactions, reinforcing the idea that they enjoy a good laugh.

In the realm of primates, a 2010 study published in Current Biology analysed vocalizations in chimpanzees and bonobos during playful interactions. The researchers found striking similarities between human laughter and these primates’ vocal patterns, suggesting a shared evolutionary origin.

Dogs, too, have had their moment in the laughter spotlight. A 2005 study led by animal behaviorist Patricia Simonet recorded “play-panting” sounds in dogs and found that these sounds had a calming effect on other dogs. Could your pup’s goofy grin during a game of fetch be their version of stand-up comedy? Maybe.

Meanwhile, researchers studying dolphins have observed that their squeals and clicks increase during playful activities. While dolphins aren’t exactly hosting late-night talk shows, these vocalizations hint at a laughter-like response.

These studies debunk the myth that laughter is a uniquely human phenomenon. It’s a powerful reminder that animals—whether they’re rats enjoying a tickle or dolphins squealing with glee—have rich emotional lives. Just like how eating carrots won’t turn you into a night-vision superhero or sugar won’t make your kids bounce off the walls, it’s time to let go of the belief that only humans laugh.

Conclusion

So, there you have it: humans are not the sole proprietors of laughter. From giggling rats to chuckling chimps, the animal kingdom is full of creatures who enjoy a good laugh. This myth, like the idea that muscle turns to fat or that Vitamin C can cure the common cold, deserves a permanent place in the “Things We Used to Believe” hall of fame. Maybe it’s time we stop gatekeeping joy and admit that animals are just as capable of cracking up as we are. After all, who’s laughing now?