joke
A2Informal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
Something said or done to provoke laughter or amusement, often a short story with a humorous twist or a playful remark.
Something that is not serious or should not be regarded seriously; a ridiculous or amusingly inadequate person, thing, or situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Can denote both the content (the humorous story) and the act of telling it. The extended meaning often carries a negative connotation (e.g., 'Their security is a joke').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The verb 'to joke' is equally common. Some idiomatic phrasing may differ (e.g., 'take the mickey' vs. 'kid around').
Connotations
Identical core connotations. Both use 'joke' figuratively to mean 'something not serious.'
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Joke about [something/someone]Joke with [someone]Joke that [clause]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The joke is on someone”
- “No joke”
- “Beyond a joke”
- “A standing joke”
- “Can't take a joke”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare in formal writing; used figuratively: 'Their bid was a joke.' In informal meetings: 'He joked about the deadline.'
Academic
Very rare in core text; may appear in informal commentary or figurative use: 'The theory was treated as a joke.'
Everyday
Extremely common in social interaction, storytelling, and media.
Technical
Not used in technical senses.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He would often joke about the weather.
- They joked that the meeting could go on all night.
- I'm only joking with you, don't be cross.
American English
- She joked around with her coworkers.
- He joked, 'Is it Friday yet?'
- Don't worry, I was just joking.
adverb
British English
- Rarely used. 'He said it joke, but she took offence.' (Archaic/informal)
American English
- Rarely used. Same as British.
adjective
British English
- It was only a joke present.
- He's got a joke profile picture.
American English
- She worked at a joke shop in college.
- It was a joke answer on the test.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My friend told me a funny joke.
- That's not true, it's just a joke!
- He made a joke about the situation to lighten the mood.
- The software update was so buggy it became a joke in the office.
- She has a knack for joking her way out of awkward conversations.
- The politician's promise was treated as a complete joke by the media.
- Their so-called 'premium service' is a joke, riddled with basic errors.
- The film's humour relied on a series of inside jokes that alienated general audiences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
JOKE = Joyful Oral Kick for Enjoyment.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRIVIALITY / UNIMPORTANCE IS A JOKE (e.g., 'Their proposal is a joke.'); SOCIAL BONDING IS SHARING A JOKE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'анекдот' for all jokes – 'anecdote' in English is a short amusing true story, not necessarily a structured punchline joke. Use 'joke'.
- Do not confuse 'to joke' (шутить) with 'to kid' (which can also mean 'to tease').
Common Mistakes
- Using 'joke' as a countable noun without an article: 'He told joke.' (Correct: 'He told a joke.').
- Confusing 'make a joke' (create/invent) and 'tell a joke' (narrate).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'beyond a joke' typically express?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'joke' is primarily verbal or a short story meant to amuse. A 'prank' (or 'practical joke') is a playful trick or physical act played on someone.
Yes, 'to joke' means to say something amusing or not serious. Common patterns: 'joke about something,' 'joke with someone.'
Yes, in this figurative sense, it is strongly dismissive and insulting, meaning the idea is ridiculous or utterly inadequate.
It means that a situation intended to amuse or trick someone has backfired, and you yourself have become the object of laughter or the one who is tricked.