It's joke explaining to a broader audience. Tell a joke that's too subtle, only a few find it funny. Call attention to it and more will understand, but those w

It's joke explaining to a broader audience. Tell a joke that's too subtle, only a few find it funny. Call attention to it and more will understand, but those who found it funny as subtle, no longer will. I think it's bad style. You don't lose anything by people missing your joke. But you risk being viewed as vain and unfunny by cueing people to laugh whenever you think you're clever.