Joke Meaning and Definition
Joke
Pronunciation
/dʒoʊk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A joke is a statement or situation that is intended to be humorous or amusing, often by playing on words or exaggerating a situation.
Examples
1. “She told a joke at the party that left everyone laughing.”
2. “The comedian’s jokes were well-received by the audience.”
Synonyms
1. Witticism
2. Puns
Antonyms
1. Serious statement
2. Somber remark
Additional Information
Jokes can be used to bring people together, relieve tension, and create a sense of community. There are many different types of jokes, including puns, one-liners, and longer, more narrative-driven jokes. Jokes often rely on wordplay, exaggeration, and unexpected twists to create humor.
Jokes have been a part of human culture for thousands of years, with evidence of joke-telling dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Greece. In modern times, jokes are often shared through social media, comedy clubs, and television shows.
While jokes can be a source of entertainment and enjoyment, they can also be used to make pointed comments about social issues or to critique societal norms. In this way, jokes can serve as a form of social commentary or satire.
Etymology
The word “joke” comes from the Old English word “geoc,” which means “jest” or “playful remark.” Over time, the spelling of the word evolved into “joke,” and its meaning expanded to include a wide range of humorous statements or situations.
Usage Notes
Jokes can be used in a variety of contexts, including formal and informal settings. When telling a joke, it’s often helpful to consider the audience and tailor the joke to their interests and sense of humor.
Jokes can also be used to break the ice or establish a connection with others. However, it’s also important to be mindful of the potential for jokes to offend or alienate others, and to avoid using humor that is mean-spirited or hurtful.
Cultural References
Jokes have been a staple of popular culture for decades, with many famous comedians and actors using humor to entertain and comment on social issues. Some notable examples of jokes in popular culture include the comedy of Richard Pryor, Eddie Murphy, and Chris Rock, as well as the humor of TV shows like “The Simpsons” and “Saturday Night Live.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “joke” include “joke’s on you,” “no joke,” and “joking aside.”
Collocations
Some common collocations that include the word “joke” include “tell a joke,” “make a joke,” and “crack a joke.”
Frequency of Use
The word “joke” is a relatively common word in modern language, with a frequency of use that is higher than many other nouns.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “joke” include “joak,” “jok,” and “jouke.”