WordGarden.iojoke
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒˈəʊk/
US
- /ˈdʒoʊk/
Meanings
Noun
something said or done to make people laugh
something considered laughably bad, absurd, or not serious
Verb
to say something playfully or humorously, often not seriously
Beyond the definition
A joke is something said or done to make people laugh, whether it is a funny story, a playful trick, or a witty remark. People use jokes to make others smile, lighten the mood, or share a fun moment. A good joke often works because of surprise, wordplay, or an unexpected ending. You might tell a joke, share a joke, or even be the joke if you end up in a silly situation.
Sometimes, "joke" refers to something that is not meant to be taken seriously, like saying, "I was only joking!" when someone takes a playful comment to heart. It can also describe something seen as ridiculous or very bad: "That car is a joke!" meaning it is absurdly unreliable. Whether it is part of a stand-up routine, an April Fool's Day prank, or lighthearted banter between friends, jokes are a common way people share humor.
The word "joke" encompasses a wide range of expressions intended to evoke laughter and amusement. At its core, a joke is a narrative, question, or statement constructed to create a humorous effect. This can take many forms: a short one-liner, a longer story with a punchline, a visual gag, or even a playful prank.
The power of a joke often lies in its ability to subvert expectations—presenting something familiar in an unexpected or ironic way. Wordplay, irony, and absurdity are common tools used to find humor in everyday life. You might crack a joke to break the ice, appreciate a clever gag, or even fall for a practical joke, which is a harmless trick played on an unsuspecting person.
However, "joke" isn't always about laughter. It can also describe a situation or person considered ridiculous or lacking in seriousness. Saying "This situation is no joke" emphasizes the gravity and importance of a problem. Similarly, calling a person or an organization "a joke" implies they are ineffective or unworthy of respect; because this usage carries negative connotations, it should be used cautiously.
Historically, the word "joke" is derived from the Latin iocus, meaning "pastime, sport, or jest." This origin highlights the playful nature inherent in the word. From lighthearted banter to carefully crafted comedic routines, a joke is ultimately about creating a connection and sharing joy through humor. So, whether it's a silly pun, a sharp observation, or a well-timed prank, a joke aims to bring a smile to someone's face—even if the laugh is at your own expense!
Examples
- 1
Social laughter
He told a joke, and everyone laughed.
- 2
Breaking silence
She made a joke about the weather to break the silence.
- 3
Not serious
I was only joking when I said I wanted to quit.
- 4
Shared worry
We joked about getting lost, but then it actually happened.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Playful behavior
Stop joking around and help me move this table.
- Phrasejoke around
behave in a silly or playful way
- 6
Serious shift
Joking aside, we need to make a decision today.
- Phrasejoking aside
now speaking seriously
- 7
Bad process
The interview process was a joke; no one had read my resume.
- 8
Light teasing
Don't tease him about his haircut; he can't take a joke.
- Phrasetake a joke
not get upset when people tease you lightly
- 9
Private humor
The nickname started as an inside joke between two friends.
- Phraseinside joke
a joke understood only by a small group
- 10
Repeated humor
For years, it was a running joke in the office that the printer hated Mondays.
- Phraserunning joke
a joke repeated many times over a period of time
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- jokenounverb
Forms
- jokespluralnounverb
- joking-ing formverbnoun
- jokedpast tenseverbnoun