funny book
Low-to-mediumInformal, colloquial
Definition
Meaning
A humorous book, especially a comic book or graphic novel.
In specific contexts, can refer to a comic book, a humorous novel, a satirical publication, or a book that is strange or bizarre in content.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Funny book" is polysemous. Its primary meaning refers to a book intended to be comical. Its secondary, more specific meaning (particularly in American English) is a colloquial or dated term for a comic book. It can also be used literally for any book that is amusing.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In American English, it can specifically mean 'comic book' (esp. mid-20th century usage). In British English, it more commonly retains the literal meaning of 'a humorous book' or is a generic term for a comic/graphic novel, with 'comic' being the more standard term.
Connotations
US: Can sound nostalgic or old-fashioned when meaning 'comic book'. UK: Sounds more literal and childlike; not a standard industry term.
Frequency
Low frequency in formal writing in both varieties. More likely to be heard in spoken, informal contexts, especially among older speakers (US) or children (UK).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] reads a funny book.[Subject] bought a funny book for [Indirect Object].This is a funny book about [Topic].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not the end of the funny book (rare, meaning 'not the final stage')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually unused.
Academic
Virtually unused; 'graphic narrative' or 'comic' preferred.
Everyday
Used informally to describe a book that made one laugh or to refer casually to comics.
Technical
Not a technical term in publishing or literature studies.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- N/A as a verb phrase
American English
- N/A as a verb phrase
adverb
British English
- N/A as an adverb phrase
American English
- N/A as an adverb phrase
adjective
British English
- He's got a funny-book sense of humour.
- It was a funny-book idea that somehow worked.
American English
- That's a real funny-book situation.
- He collects funny-book memorabilia from the 1950s.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like to read funny books.
- This is a funny book for children.
- He bought a funny book.
- When I was a kid, I spent my pocket money on funny books.
- She writes funny books about family life.
- The library has a section for funny books and comics.
- His latest novel isn't a thriller; it's more of a funny book poking satire at office culture.
- The term 'funny book' evokes nostalgia for the golden age of American comics.
- We found a stack of old funny books in the attic.
- While often dismissed as mere 'funny books', graphic novels like 'Maus' tackle profoundly serious themes.
- The exhibition traced the evolution of the medium from pulp funny books to respected literary graphic narratives.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a book with a clown on the cover – it's a FUNNY BOOK.
Conceptual Metaphor
BOOK AS A CONTAINER FOR HUMOUR / ENTERTAINMENT AS A PHYSICAL OBJECT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'смешная книга' for 'comic book'; use 'комикс'. 'Смешная книга' is correct only for a literally humorous book.
- Do not confuse with 'funny paper' (comics section of newspaper).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'funny book' in formal writing.
- Assuming it's understood as 'comic book' in all English-speaking regions.
- Overusing as a synonym for all graphic narratives.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'funny book' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Funny book' is a broad, informal term. 'Graphic novel' typically refers to a longer, more serious, or complete work in comic form, often with a single narrative arc.
It is not recommended for formal essays. Use more precise terms like 'comic book', 'graphic novel', 'humorous novel', or 'satire' depending on your specific meaning.
It is understood but less common than 'comic' or 'comic book'. A British speaker is more likely to say 'comic' or 'annual' (e.g., The Beano annual).
A 'joke book' is specifically a collection of jokes, riddles, or cartoons. A 'funny book' is a broader term that can include joke books, humorous stories, and comic books.