Typical targets for insult include individuals in the show's audience, the town hosting the performance, or the subject of a roast. An insult comedian often maintains a competitive and interactive relationship with his or her audience. The style has been described as 'festive abuse'.

The style can be distinguished from an act based on satire, or political humour. Comedians such as Groucho Marx, Lenny Bruce and George Carlin, who can be quite insulting, are not considered insult comedians.

Famous insult comics include:

• Marcus Valerius Martialis, ancient Roman poet who could be considered to be among, if not, the first comic of this kind.
• Don Rickles
• Jack E. Leonard
• Roy 'Chubby' Brown
• Austen Tayshus, moved into the genre with his later material.
• Rodney Rude
• Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog
• Jackie Mason
• Lisa Lampanelli
• Jeffrey Ross
• Andrew Dice Clay
• Jeff Duran
• Sam Kinison
• Jim Norton
• Kathy Griffin
• Sarah Silverman
• Robin Harris
• D. L. Hughley
• Yucko the Clown
• Billy Crystal's character Buddy Young, Jr.

See also

• The dozens