jokebook
LowInformal
Definition
Meaning
A book containing a collection of jokes, often categorized for easy reference.
Any compilation of humorous anecdotes, one-liners, or comedic material presented in book form; by extension, can refer to a predictable source of humour or routine.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A compound noun (joke + book). It typically implies a published physical or digital collection, not an original manuscript of a comedian's material. It is a content-descriptive term, not a formal genre classification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The concept is identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, implying a source of light entertainment. May carry a slight connotation of being unsophisticated or aimed at children.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both dialects. 'Book of jokes' is a common periphrastic alternative.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NOUN of NOUN (a jokebook of one-liners)NOUN for NOUN (a jokebook for Christmas)NOUN by NOUN (a jokebook by a famous comedian)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He's a walking jokebook. (He knows many jokes.)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Extremely rare. Might appear in publishing contexts (e.g., 'We are acquiring a line of children's jokebooks.').
Academic
Virtually non-existent except in studies of popular culture or children's literature.
Everyday
Primary context. Used when discussing gifts, children's reading, or light entertainment.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I bought a jokebook for my little brother.
- Her favourite present was a funny jokebook.
- He entertained the class by reading jokes from his new jokebook.
- That comedian seems to get all his material from a cheap jokebook.
- The vintage jokebook, full of puns from the 1950s, was a fascinating cultural artefact.
- Rather than original wit, his routine felt like a recitation from a generic jokebook.
- The anthology aimed to be more than a mere jokebook, contextualising each jest within its historical period.
- Critics panned the film's humour as derivative, accusing the writers of relying on a cinematic jokebook of clichés.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BOOK where you look for a JOKE. JOKE + BOOK = JOKEBOOK.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CONTAINER FOR HUMOUR (The book is a vessel holding jokes as content.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'шуткокнига'. Use 'сборник анекдотов', 'книга шуток'.
- Do not confuse with 'комикс' (comic book) or 'юмористический роман' (humorous novel).
Common Mistakes
- Spelling as two words: 'joke book' (generally accepted but less standard as a single compound).
- Using it to refer to a comedian's script or a satirical novel.
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of a 'jokebook'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word ('jokebook'), though the open form 'joke book' is also frequently seen and accepted.
Yes, the term can extend to e-books or apps that serve the same primary function as a physical collection of jokes.
A 'jokebook' is specifically a compilation of discrete jokes. A 'comedy book' is broader and could refer to a humorous novel, memoir, or collection of essays.
No, it is an informal, descriptive term used in everyday language and publishing, not a formal genre classification in literary criticism.