funny paper
LowInformal, colloquial, dated (mid to late 20th century)
Definition
Meaning
Newspaper comics section, often containing comic strips and cartoons.
Informal term for the section of a newspaper devoted to cartoons, comic strips, and humorous illustrations. May also refer informally to any humorous document or piece of writing.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Funny paper" primarily refers to the physical comics section, a compound noun where "funny" means humorous/comical. It is largely associated with childhood memory and Sunday newspapers. Rarely used literally today, but understood idiomatically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English. In British English, terms like "comics," "cartoon strip," or specific publication names (e.g., "The Beano") are more frequent.
Connotations
US: Nostalgic, associated with Sunday morning tradition. UK: Recognized but not a standard term; might sound American.
Frequency
US: Low in current use, largely dated. UK: Extremely rare.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
read [the] funny paperlook at [the] funny paperfind [sth] in [the] funny paperVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That belongs in the funny papers.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used (except in historical/media studies contexts).
Everyday
Used informally, mainly by older generations recalling childhood.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like the pictures in the funny paper.
- When I was a child, I read the funny paper every Sunday.
- The artist's style was reminiscent of the classic funny paper cartoons from the 1950s.
- He dismissed the outlandish proposal, saying it sounded like something straight out of the funny papers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PAPER that makes you laugh (FUNNY) = FUNNY PAPER.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMOUR IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (contained in paper); LEISURE IS A RITUAL (reading the Sunday funny papers).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as "смешная бумага". Use "комиксы", "раздел комиксов".
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a general term for any humorous text (incorrect).
- Confusing it with "funny pages" (acceptable variant).
Practice
Quiz
"Funny paper" most commonly refers to what?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's considered a dated, informal term, mostly used nostalgically by older generations. 'Comics' or 'funnies' are more current.
Typically no. It refers to the entire section or collection of strips in a newspaper.
They are largely synonymous, but 'funnies' is slightly more common in modern American usage.
It is understood but rarely used. British English prefers terms like 'comics' or specific publication titles.