Top 37 Slang For Joke – Meaning & Usage

Cracking up at a good joke is universal, but have you ever wondered about the slang terms used to describe them? Our team at Fluentslang has put together a hilarious list of the top slang for joke that will have you ROFL in no time. From puns to one-liners, get ready to level up your joke game with this must-read compilation!

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1. Gag

A “gag” refers to a practical joke or a comedic performance that is intended to entertain and amuse. It can involve tricks, physical humor, or clever wordplay.

For example, “He pulled off a hilarious gag on April Fool’s Day by filling his friend’s office with balloons.”
In a comedy show, a comedian might say, “I have a gag prepared for you all tonight that I think you’ll enjoy.”
A friend might play a gag on another friend by hiding their car keys and pretending they disappeared.

2. Wisecrack

A “wisecrack” is a clever and witty remark that is intended to be funny. It often involves a quick response or a play on words.

For instance, “He always has a wisecrack ready to lighten the mood in any situation.”
During a conversation, someone might make a wisecrack in response to a sarcastic comment.
A comedian might say, “I love making wisecracks about everyday situations to make people laugh.”

3. Zinger

A “zinger” is a sharp and clever joke or comment that is delivered with impact. It is meant to surprise and amuse the audience.

For example, “She delivered a zinger during the debate that left everyone in stitches.”
In a comedy show, a comedian might say, “I have a zinger prepared for the grand finale of my set.”
A friend might come up with a zinger to respond to a playful insult from another friend.

4. Rib-tickler

A “rib-tickler” is a joke or funny story that is extremely amusing and causes laughter. It is meant to tickle the ribs metaphorically, resulting in a joyful reaction.

For instance, “His stand-up comedy routine was full of rib-ticklers that had the audience roaring with laughter.”
During a gathering, someone might share a rib-tickler to lighten the mood and entertain everyone.
A comedian might say, “I always try to include a few rib-ticklers in my set to keep the audience engaged and laughing.”

5. Knee-slapper

A “knee-slapper” is an extremely funny joke or situation that is so hilarious it makes people slap their knees in laughter. It is meant to be uproariously funny.

For example, “The punchline of his joke was a real knee-slapper that had everyone doubled over with laughter.”
During a comedy show, a comedian might tell a knee-slapper that leaves the audience in stitches.
A friend might recount a knee-slapper they heard during a recent gathering to share the laughter with others.

6. One-liner

A one-liner is a short joke or witty remark that typically consists of a single line or sentence. One-liners are often used to deliver a quick punchline or to make a humorous observation.

For example, “Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.”
A comedian might start their set with a one-liner like, “I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.”
In a conversation, someone might say, “I love a good one-liner. It always gets a laugh.”

7. Groaner

A groaner is a joke that is considered to be corny, cheesy, or just not very funny. Groaners often elicit groans or eye rolls instead of laughter.

For instance, “Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts.”
A dad might tell a groaner like, “Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.”
In a comedy show, a comedian might intentionally tell a groaner to play on the audience’s expectations.

8. Punny

Something that is punny is full of puns, which are jokes that play on words with multiple meanings or similar sounds. Punny jokes often require a clever or witty interpretation to appreciate the humor.

For example, “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.”
A person might say, “I love punny jokes. They always make me laugh, even if they’re a bit cheesy.”
In a conversation, someone might respond to a punny comment with, “That’s a good one! You really nailed the pun.”

9. Jest

Jest is a term that refers to a joke or a playful act intended to amuse or entertain. It can also be used as a verb to describe the act of joking or engaging in playful banter.

For instance, “He made a jest about the situation to lighten the mood.”
A comedian might say, “I’ve been practicing my jests to perfect my delivery.”
In a casual conversation, someone might playfully jest, “Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone your secret.”

10. Quip

A quip is a clever or witty remark, often made in response to a situation or as a quick comeback. Quips are typically short and snappy, designed to be amusing or entertaining.

For example, “When life gives you melons, you might be dyslexic.”
A person might say, “She always has a quip ready, no matter the situation.”
In a friendly banter, someone might respond to a teasing comment with a quip of their own.

11. Crack-up

This term refers to something that is extremely funny or causes uncontrollable laughter. It can be used to describe a person or a situation.

For example, “That comedian’s performance was a crack-up, I couldn’t stop laughing.”
A friend might say, “You’ve got to hear this joke, it’s a real crack-up.”
When watching a funny video, someone might comment, “This is a crack-up, I can’t stop replaying it.”

12. Guffaw

A guffaw is a loud and boisterous laugh. It is often associated with finding something extremely funny or when someone is caught off guard by a humorous situation.

For instance, “The comedian’s joke caused a guffaw from the audience.”
A friend might say, “Your reaction was priceless, I couldn’t help but guffaw.”
When someone unexpectedly slips and falls, another person might let out a guffaw of laughter.

13. Jape

Jape is a term used to describe a playful or mischievous joke or prank. It often involves teasing or tricking someone in a light-hearted manner.

For example, “He pulled a jape on his roommate by hiding a fake spider in his bed.”
Friends might plan a jape on April Fools’ Day to surprise each other with harmless pranks.
A coworker might say, “Let’s play a jape on our boss by switching his coffee with decaf.”

14. Jocular

Jocular is an adjective used to describe someone or something that is characterized by humor and joking. It refers to a person or a situation that is light-hearted and filled with laughter.

For instance, “He has a jocular personality, always making people laugh.”
A friend might say, “Let’s have a jocular evening and watch some funny movies.”
When describing a comedy show, someone might say, “The atmosphere was jocular, with everyone laughing throughout the entire performance.”

15. Jolly

Jolly is an adjective that describes someone or something as being cheerful, happy, and filled with joy. It is often used to describe a person’s demeanor or a festive atmosphere.

For example, “He had a jolly laugh that could brighten anyone’s day.”
During the holiday season, people might say, “Let’s have a jolly gathering and celebrate together.”
When describing a party, someone might comment, “The atmosphere was jolly, with everyone dancing and laughing.”

16. Riff

To “riff” means to spontaneously create or respond to someone’s words or actions in a humorous or clever way.

For example, during a conversation, someone might say something funny and another person might respond with a witty comment, “Nice riff!”
In a comedy show, a comedian might improvise jokes based on audience reactions, “He really knows how to riff off the crowd.”
Friends might engage in playful banter and riff off each other’s jokes, “We spent the whole evening riffing on each other’s one-liners.”

17. Banter

Banter refers to light-hearted and playful conversation, often filled with jokes, teasing, and witty remarks.

For instance, friends might engage in banter when joking with each other, “Their banter always keeps the mood light and fun.”
In a workplace, colleagues might engage in banter during breaks, “The office is always filled with banter and laughter.”
A couple might enjoy banter in their relationship, “Their banter is what keeps their relationship lively and enjoyable.”

18. Chuckle

A chuckle is a soft and suppressed laugh, often expressing amusement or mild humor.

For example, when someone tells a funny joke, others might chuckle in response, “His witty remark elicited a chuckle from the audience.”
During a comedy show, the audience might chuckle at the comedian’s clever punchlines, “The comedian had the whole crowd chuckling throughout the performance.”
A person reading a funny book might chuckle to themselves, “The humorous anecdotes in the book had me chuckling uncontrollably.”

19. Jibe

To “jibe” means to make a sarcastic or mocking remark, often intended to poke fun at someone or something.

For instance, during a friendly argument, someone might make a jibe to tease the other person, “His jibe caught everyone off guard, but it was all in good fun.”
In a comedy roast, comedians might make jibes at the guest of honor, “The comedians didn’t hold back in their jibes, leaving the audience in stitches.”
Friends might exchange playful jibes during a game or competition, “Their jibes added an extra layer of competitiveness to the game.”

20. Prank

A prank is a playful and mischievous trick or practical joke played on someone, often with the intention of surprising or amusing them.

For example, on April Fool’s Day, people often play pranks on their friends or family members, “He pulled off a hilarious prank by filling his coworker’s office with balloons.”
Friends might prank each other by setting up humorous situations, “They always come up with creative pranks to keep each other on their toes.”
In a prank video, the prankster might capture the reactions of unsuspecting victims, “The prank video went viral, with millions of views and shares.”

21. Witty

When something is described as “witty,” it means it is clever, humorous, and quick-witted. It refers to a joke or remark that is sharp and intelligent.

For example, “He always has a witty response ready in any situation.”
A person might say, “That was a witty comeback you made.”
In a comedy show, the audience might laugh and say, “That was a really witty punchline!”

22. Riddle

A riddle is a type of joke or question that is presented as a puzzle to be solved. It often involves wordplay, logic, or a play on words to challenge the listener’s or reader’s thinking.

For instance, “What has keys but can’t open locks? A piano!”
A person might ask, “Can you solve this riddle? What is always in front of you but can’t be seen?”
In a riddle competition, someone might say, “I have a difficult riddle for you. Are you ready?”

23. Witty retort

A witty retort refers to a clever and quick response to a comment or insult. It is a humorous and intelligent comeback that showcases the person’s wit and humor.

For example, if someone insults you, you might respond with a witty retort like, “If I wanted to hear from an idiot, I would have asked for your opinion.”
In a playful argument, someone might say, “You think you’re so clever? Let’s see you come up with a witty retort.”
A comedian might use a witty retort to engage with an audience member and say, “Nice try, but I’ve heard better witty retorts from my grandma!”

24. Punderful

Punderful is a playful term used to describe something that is full of puns. A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a word or words with similar sounds but different meanings.

For instance, “That was a punderful joke! I couldn’t stop laughing.”
A person might say, “I love reading puns. They are so punderful.”
In a pun competition, someone might say, “Get ready for some punderful puns. They’ll make you roll on the floor laughing!”

25. Chuckle-worthy

When something is described as “chuckle-worthy,” it means it is amusing and likely to elicit a chuckle or light laughter. It refers to something that is funny in a gentle and lighthearted way.

For example, “That was a chuckle-worthy moment in the movie.”
A person might say, “I enjoy reading comic strips that are always chuckle-worthy.”
In a comedy show, the comedian might say, “I have a series of chuckle-worthy jokes lined up for you tonight!”

26. Laugh-out-loud

This term is used to describe something that is extremely amusing and causes someone to burst into laughter.

For example, “That movie was so funny, it had me laughing out loud the whole time!”
A person might say, “His joke was laugh-out-loud hilarious.”
In a text message, someone might respond with “LOL” to indicate that something was laugh-out-loud funny.

27. Hilarious

This word is used to describe something that is extremely amusing and causes a lot of laughter.

For instance, “The comedian’s performance was hilarious, I couldn’t stop laughing.”
A person might say, “That video on the internet was absolutely hilarious.”
In a group chat, someone might say, “You have to see this meme, it’s hilarious!”

28. Jokester

This term is used to refer to a person who enjoys telling jokes and often makes others laugh.

For example, “John is always the jokester in our group, he keeps us entertained.”
A person might say, “My friend is such a jokester, he always has a funny story to share.”
At a party, someone might say, “We need a jokester to lighten the mood.”

29. Jestful

This word is used to describe someone or something that is playful and enjoys making jokes or funny remarks.

For instance, “She has a jestful personality, always making people laugh.”
A person might say, “His jestful nature brightens up any room.”
During a conversation, someone might say, “Let’s keep it jestful and lighthearted.”

30. Jocose

This term is used to describe someone or something that is characterized by humor and playfulness.

For example, “The jocose banter between the two comedians had the audience in stitches.”
A person might say, “Her jocose personality makes her the life of the party.”
During a friendly argument, someone might say, “Let’s keep it jocose and not take things too seriously.”

31. Giggler

A “giggler” is a person who tends to laugh frequently or finds things amusing easily. It can be used to describe someone’s personality or behavior.

For example, “She’s such a giggler, she finds everything hilarious.”
In a group of friends, someone might say, “We always have a good time with our giggler friend around.”
If someone laughs at a joke that others don’t find funny, they might say, “You’re such a giggler, you find anything amusing!”

32. Hoax

A “hoax” is a deceptive or misleading trick or prank that is intended to fool or deceive someone. It is often done for amusement or as a practical joke.

For instance, “The video of the alien sighting turned out to be a hoax.”
A person might say, “Don’t believe everything you see on the internet, some of it could be a hoax.”
If someone falls for a prank, they might say, “I can’t believe I fell for that hoax!”

33. Spoof

A “spoof” is a humorous imitation or parody of something, often done to mock or make fun of the original. It can be in the form of a movie, TV show, or other creative work.

For example, “The comedy sketch was a spoof of a popular reality show.”
A person might say, “I love watching spoofs of famous movies, they always make me laugh.”
If someone imitates a celebrity’s voice or mannerisms for comedic effect, they might say, “I’m doing a spoof of [celebrity] in this skit.”

34. Laugh riot

A “laugh riot” is something or someone that is extremely funny or causes uncontrollable laughter. It is used to describe a situation, performance, or person that is exceptionally humorous.

For instance, “The comedian’s stand-up show was a laugh riot, the audience couldn’t stop laughing.”
A person might say, “That movie is a laugh riot, I couldn’t stop laughing throughout.”
If a friend tells a hilarious story, someone might say, “You’re a laugh riot, I can’t stop laughing!”

35. Mirth

Mirth refers to amusement or laughter, especially expressed in a lively or joyful manner. It is a more formal term for “laughter” or “amusement.”

For example, “The comedian’s jokes filled the room with mirth.”
A person might say, “I love being around people who bring mirth to every gathering.”
If someone is in a joyful and laughing mood, they might say, “I’m filled with mirth today, everything seems funny!”

36. Jesticle

This term is a combination of “jester” and “testicle,” and it refers to a lighthearted or playful joke. It can also have a slightly vulgar connotation.

For instance, a comedian might say, “I’m here to deliver some jesticles to lighten the mood.”
In a group of friends, someone might say, “Let’s share some jesticles to make everyone laugh.”
A person might use this term to describe a funny meme or video, saying, “That was a hilarious jesticle I saw on social media.”

37. Clowning around

This phrase is often used to describe someone who is behaving in a silly or playful manner, similar to how a clown would act. It can also refer to joking or messing around.

For example, a parent might scold their child, saying, “Stop clowning around and do your homework.”
In a casual conversation, someone might say, “We were just clowning around and having a good time.”
A person might use this phrase to describe a funny situation, saying, “We were all clowning around and couldn’t stop laughing.”