Humour or Humor? The Correct Spelling Explained with Examples

Have you ever paused while writing and wondered whether it’s humour or humor? You’re not alone.

This is one of the most searched spelling questions in English, especially for students, writers, bloggers, and professionals who want to sound correct and polished. The confusion happens because both spellings are right—but not in the same places.

People search for “humour or humor” to quickly find which spelling to use in emails, articles, social media posts, or academic writing.

Using the wrong version can make your writing look careless or mismatched for your audience.

This is especially important in SEO, content writing, and global communication, where language standards matter.

This guide solves that confusion once and for all. You’ll get a fast answer, learn where each spelling comes from, see how British and American English differ, and understand which version you should use based on your audience.

Simple examples, clear tables, and practical advice will help you use humour or humor with confidence—every time.

Quick Answer

Humour and humor mean the same thing: something that is funny or makes people laugh.

Humour → British English
Example: British comedians are known for their dry humour.
Humor → American English
Example: The movie’s humor appealed to a wide audience.

👉 The difference is spelling, not meaning.

The Origin of Humour or Humor

The word comes from the Latin “humor,” meaning fluid or moisture. In ancient medicine, “humors” were body fluids believed to affect mood and personality.

Over time, the meaning shifted from physical fluids to temperament and then to comedy and fun.

British English kept the French-influenced spelling “humour”, adding -our.
American English later simplified many spellings, changing -our to -or, giving us “humor.”

This same pattern appears in:

colour / color
favour / favor
honour / honor

British English vs American English Spelling

British and American English follow different spelling rules for certain words.

Feature	British English	American English
Spelling	humour	humor
Common regions	UK, Australia, Canada	USA
Style guide	Oxford, Cambridge	AP, Chicago
Used in exams	IELTS, UK exams	SAT, US exams

Both are correct—just region-specific.

Which Spelling Should You Use?

Choose based on your audience:

US audience → Use humor
UK & Commonwealth (UK, Canada, Australia) → Use humour
Global or mixed audience → Stay consistent with one style
Academic or professional writing → Follow the required style guide

Consistency matters more than the spelling itself.

Common Mistakes with Humour or Humor

❌ Mixing spellings in the same document
✔️ Pick one spelling and stick to it

❌ Thinking one version is “wrong”
✔️ Both are correct, depending on region

Using autocorrect blindly
Check your language settings

Changing spelling inside quotes
Keep original spelling in quoted text

Humour or Humor in Everyday Examples

Emails:

UK: I appreciate your sense of humour.
US: Thanks for adding humor to the meeting.

News:

UK media often praise political humour.
US headlines talk about satire and humor.

Social Media:

British memes highlight dry humour.
American posts focus on slapstick humor.

Formal Writing:

Academic tone applies to both spellings, depending on region.

Humour or Humor – Google Trends & Usage Data

Search trends show clear regional patterns:

Humor dominates searches in the United States
Humour is more popular in the UK, Canada, Australia
Globally, both spellings are widely accepted

Content creators often choose spelling based on target traffic and SEO goals.

Humour vs Humor – Comparison Table

Aspect	Humour	Humor
English type	British	American
Meaning	Funny or amusing	Funny or amusing
Correctness	Correct	Correct
Used in	UK/Commonwealth	USA
SEO choice	UK-based sites	US-based sites

FAQs

1. Is humour or humor correct?
Both are correct. It depends on regional English.

2. Which spelling is older?
Humour is closer to the original French spelling.

3. Can I use both in one article?
No. Always stay consistent.

4. Is humour used in Canada?
Yes. Canada follows British spelling rules.

5. Does spelling affect SEO?
Yes. Use the version your audience searches for.

6. Is humor informal?
No. Both spellings work in formal writing.

7. Which spelling should students use?
Follow your exam board or country standard.

Conclusion

The difference between humour or humor is simple but important. Both words mean the same thing and describe what makes people laugh or smile. The only real difference lies in spelling and regional usage. British English prefers humour, while American English uses humor.

Choosing the right version depends on who you are writing for. If your audience is in the United States, humor is the best choice.

If your readers are in the UK or other Commonwealth countries, humour will feel natural and correct. For global content, the key is consistency—pick one spelling and use it throughout.

Understanding this distinction helps you write with confidence, avoid common mistakes, and appear more professional.

Whether you’re sending an email, publishing a blog, or writing academic work, using the correct spelling shows attention to detail. Now you can use humour or humor the right way, every time.