Joke
What it means
Something said or done to create friendly amusement.
Reach for it when naming humor when its audience and target can safely share the fun
The guide opened with a harmless joke that made everyone laugh.
Words to choose between 7
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
gag
Fits when a comic bit, prop, or repeated device is meant
Careful Gag is performance slang and can also suggest physical discomfort.
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playful
wisecrack
Fits when irreverent spontaneous humor fits the relationship
Careful A wisecrack can be disruptive or cruel despite getting a laugh.
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warm
anecdote
Fits when a short real story amuses through recognition
Careful An anecdote need not be funny and should not be invented as experience.
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professional
one-liner
Fits when the humor is contained in one concise line
Careful A one-liner is a form, while jokes can be stories or actions.
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formal
Fits when a brief clever remark carries the humor
Careful Quip stresses wit and may be sharper than an ordinary joke.
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formal
witticism
Fits when verbal ingenuity is the reason for admiration
Careful Witticism sounds evaluative and too polished for slapstick or silly humor.
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literary
Fits when light playful intent suits a traditional tone
Careful Jest can sound quaint and does not cover a structured comic story.
Opposites 3
- serious statement
- insult
- lament
Common phrases 3
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tell a joke
She can tell a joke without turning a colleague into its target.
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practical joke
A practical joke is harmless only when cleanup and consent are considered.
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running joke
The missing blue mug became a running joke after it was safely found.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
A joke is not made harmless by intent alone. Power, consent, topic, and effect determine whether it remains friendly.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated