Note: The translation for this entry is currently under quality review. Some content is temporarily displayed in English only.
joke
The term carries a strong sense of playfulness and a temporary suspension of seriousness. It relies on the tension between a setup and a surprising punchline, creating a psychological release that manifests as laughter. While often positive, it can lean toward mockery if the target of the joke is a specific person.
In social interactions, the word serves as a protective shield. By labeling a statement as a joke, a speaker can test boundaries or express a hidden truth while maintaining plausible deniability if the reaction is negative. This distinguishes it from a prank, which is a physical action rather than a verbal one.
Countable when referring to a specific story or a prank. Uncountable when referring to the general act of joking or a state of being laughable.
Meanings
Examples
That is a funny joke.
Stop joking now.
I love a good joke.
He told a joke before dinner.
Are you joking with me?
She was joking about the rain.
The students told a joke during lunch.
I was joking when I mentioned the ghost.
The detective joked about the missing key.
This entire contract is a complete joke.
I sincerely apologize if my joke was offensive.
The historian joked that the king was eccentric.
Phrasal Verbs
joke around
to behave in a silly or non-serious way
The students were joking around in the back of the classroom instead of listening to the lecture.
joke about
to make humorous remarks regarding a specific subject
It is probably not a good idea to joke about the company's financial problems during a board meeting.