funnyman
LowInformal
Definition
Meaning
A person whose occupation or role is to make people laugh, especially a professional comedian.
Any man or person noted for their humorous behaviour or jokes, not necessarily professional.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is a closed compound. While historically and predominantly referring to males, modern usage can sometimes be applied humorously or ironically to any humorous person, though 'funnywoman' is also used. It carries a slightly dated or showbiz nuance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. Slightly more common in historical showbiz contexts.
Connotations
Both: Often evokes a classic, vaudeville-style performer. Can be mildly patronising if used outside of entertainment.
Frequency
Rare in formal contexts in both varieties. Similar low frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Adj] funnymanfunnyman of [place/era]funnyman [who-clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “play the funnyman”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Used metaphorically: 'He's the office funnyman, always lightening the mood.'
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Informal, used to describe someone known for jokes.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My uncle is the funnyman at family parties.
- The funnyman made the children laugh.
- He dreams of being a professional funnyman on television.
- The club hired a local funnyman to host the event.
- Despite his serious day job, he's known as the office funnyman for his witty remarks.
- The veteran funnyman struggled to adapt his material for a younger audience.
- His reputation as the company's resident funnyman often belied a sharp, analytical mind beneath the jokes.
- The classic vaudeville funnyman's style seems anachronistic to modern sensibilities.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'funny man' literally – a man whose job is to be funny.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMOUR IS A PERFORMANCE (He's always on stage as the funnyman).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'смешной человек' for the professional sense; use 'комик', 'юморист'. 'Смешной человек' is too generic.
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as two words 'funny man' in formal writing (should be a closed compound).
- Using for a one-time funny comment; implies a habitual role.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'funnyman' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not considered gender-neutral. It specifically refers to a male comedian. The term 'funnywoman' is used for females, and 'comedian' is the neutral standard term.
It is not recommended for formal writing. It is an informal, slightly dated term. Use 'comedian', 'comic', or 'humorist' instead.
A 'comedian' is the standard, neutral term for a professional performer of comedy. 'Funnyman' is more informal, often nostalgic, and emphasizes the personality ('the funny man') rather than just the profession.
It is standardly spelled as one closed compound word: 'funnyman'. The two-word form 'funny man' is considered less standard, though sometimes seen.