ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Bathos

Bathos is a fancy word that means when someone tries to be serious or emotional, but it ends up being funny or silly instead.

Let's say your mom is trying to give a really serious speech about how important it is to clean your room. She starts off by saying, "Children, cleanliness is next to godliness. A clean room can bring you inner peace and a sense of contentment."

But then, she trips over a toy on the floor and suddenly falls down. It's funny and unexpected, so even though she was trying to be serious, you can't help but laugh. That's bathos!

Another example of bathos could be a superhero movie. The hero is in the middle of a really intense battle with the villain, and they give a dramatic speech about how they're fighting for justice and honor. But then, they accidentally trip over their own cape and fall on their face. It breaks the tension and makes the scene a little bit funny.

In short, bathos is when someone tries to be serious or dramatic, but it ends up being funny instead. It's like a funny interrupting a serious moment!
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