That seems to be the classic story.
Many a Funny-Man will tell you he avoided catching a a ton of ass whoopins growing up just by being able to run his mouth and make people laugh.
Meh. Doesn't mean you were classic nerd material people have insecurities over the strangest things. I used humour a lot through teen years and was doing stand up in front of 800 people in uni. Making people laugh is a form of approval and reassurance. Like a pat on the back or a hug. I'm sure most people knew a class clown who was completely untalented and a brainless dickhead who would demean themselves like a monkey dancing for a banana by doing stupid shit to get a laugh.
Another example is a girl who used to be fat or not good looking but becomes a stunner when she matures. She will often be more insecure and have learned mechanisms for approval (humour, education, being easy... so many ways) and will be completely different to a girl who was courted and white knighted from a young age. Girls or guys who always had it easy are more likely to be vapid or arrogant even if they subsequently become fat, bald whatever.
