Is 'rib-tickler' formal or informal?

It is informal and slightly old-fashioned. Best used in casual speech or writing.

Can 'rib-tickler' describe a person?

Yes, informally. e.g., 'Oh, him? He's a real rib-tickler.' It means the person is funny.

What's the difference between a 'rib-tickler' and a 'joke'?

A 'rib-tickler' specifically implies a joke or story that is very successful in causing laughter. All rib-ticklers are jokes, but not all jokes are rib-ticklers.

Is the hyphen necessary?

Yes, the standard spelling is with a hyphen: rib-tickler. Some dictionaries may list 'ribtickler' as a variant, but the hyphenated form is more common.

How do you pronounce “rib-tickler”?

Rib-tickler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪb ˌtɪk.lər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪb ˌtɪk.lɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

rib-tickler: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low-to-Medium

UK/ˈrɪb ˌtɪk.lər/US/ˈrɪb ˌtɪk.lɚ/

Informal, slightly old-fashioned

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “rib-tickler” mean?

Something that is very funny, causing laughter.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Something that is very funny, causing laughter.

A joke, story, or situation that is amusing. Can refer to a person who is amusing or a funny event.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

More commonly found in British English, though understood in American English. In AmE, alternatives like 'knee-slapper' or 'side-splitter' might be more frequent.

Connotations

Whimsical, lighthearted humor rather than sophisticated wit. Can have a slightly quaint or nostalgic feel.

Frequency

Peak usage was mid-20th century. Now considered somewhat dated but still used for effect.

Grammar

How to Use “rib-tickler” in a Sentence

[be] a rib-tickler[have] a rib-tickler [to tell][tell] a rib-tickler

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

real rib-ticklerabsolute rib-ticklerproper rib-tickler

medium

that's a rib-ticklercome up with a rib-ticklerfull of rib-ticklers

weak

little rib-ticklerold rib-ticklerfew rib-ticklers

Examples

Examples of “rib-tickler” in a Sentence

noun

British English

Grandad's tale about the pigeon and the postman was a real rib-tickler.
The comedian saved his best rib-tickler for the end of the set.

American English

That story about your camping trip is a rib-tickler.
He's always got a new rib-tickler to share at the office.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rare. Might be used informally to describe a humorous anecdote in a presentation.

Academic

Very rare. Not used in formal academic writing.

Everyday

Used in casual conversation, often among older speakers or for humorous effect.

Technical

Not applicable.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “rib-tickler”

Strong

side-splitterknee-slapper scream hoot

Neutral

joke laughfunny story

Weak

gag wisecrack one-liner

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “rib-tickler”

bore snooze dud

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “rib-tickler”

Using it in formal writing.
Spelling as 'ribtickler' without the hyphen.
Confusing it with 'rib-tickling' as an adjective.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: It is informal and slightly old-fashioned. Best used in casual speech or writing.
: Yes, informally. e.g., 'Oh, him? He's a real rib-tickler.' It means the person is funny.
: A 'rib-tickler' specifically implies a joke or story that is very successful in causing laughter. All rib-ticklers are jokes, but not all jokes are rib-ticklers.
: Yes, the standard spelling is with a hyphen: rib-tickler. Some dictionaries may list 'ribtickler' as a variant, but the hyphenated form is more common.
: Something that is very funny, causing laughter.
: Rib-tickler: in British English it is pronounced /ˈrɪb ˌtɪk.lər/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈrɪb ˌtɪk.lɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“have a rib-tickler up one's sleeve”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a joke so funny it feels like someone is tickling your ribs from the inside with laughter.

Conceptual Metaphor

HUMOR IS A PHYSICAL FORCE / LAUGHTER IS A PHYSICAL SENSATION (tickling).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After a long day, we all needed a good laugh, and fortunately, Mark had a hilarious ready to go.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'rib-tickler' LEAST appropriate?