Metacomic Characteristics of the Value Concept of Intelligencein English Language on-screen Comedy

This article aims at analyzing the metacomic nature of the value concept of intelligence. This paper applies an axiological approach to study metacomic characteristics of intelligence, which consists of determining the reaction of the audience to intelligence by a humorous subject or object, distinguishing humorous characteristics of the concept of intelligence based on analyzing relevant dictionary definitions, text fragments of humorous discourse in which the concept of intelligence is actualized and literature devoted to studying the concept of intelligence, analyzing the language means used to express the concept of intelligence, and finding the corresponding conceptual opposition. The metacomical characteristics of an axiological concept are considered to be these which are used for ridiculing or praising other axiological phenomena. The main metacomical characteristic of the axiological concept of intelligence is wit which is usually expressed through: identification of small, but relevant details of reality; new perception of everyday life; finding an argument to an obvious statement; finding both absurd and logical evidence of phenomena; finding incoherency in everyday activities. At the same time seven main language means of expressing wit in standup comedies can be distinguished: pun, new metaphor, hyperbole, new designation, unexpected comparison, allusions, and paradoxes. These language means are used to praise or ridicule various values or anti-values. The study has also showed that the concept of intelligence is an absolute value of humorous discourse in English-language linguistic culture. So, in most humorous contexts actualizing the concept of intelligence is accompanied by applauding.