Joke Meaning
Joke Definition & Usage
A thing said or done to cause laughter or amusement, typically a short story or witty remark.
Examples
- "She told a funny joke that made everyone in the room laugh."
- "I don't get the joke, can you explain it to me?"
- "His jokes always lighten the mood at parties."
- "That was a terrible joke—no one laughed."
- "He cracked a joke about the weather, which was surprisingly funny."
To say or do something in a humorous way, usually to provoke laughter.
Examples
- "He joked about getting a raise, but nobody believed him."
- "Stop joking around and help me with the dishes."
- "She joked that she might retire early, but everyone knew she was serious."
- "I was just joking when I said I could run a marathon."
- "Don't joke about such things; it’s not funny."
A statement or situation that is not intended to be taken seriously, often used to mock or criticize someone or something.
Examples
- "His comment about the company’s new policy was more of a joke than a serious criticism."
- "The idea that they could finish the project in one day is a joke."
- "It’s no joke, I really need that report by tomorrow."
- "You think I’m joking? I expect results by the end of the week!"
- "The suggestion that we can cut our budget by half is a joke."
Cultural Context
Jokes have been an integral part of human culture for centuries, originating in storytelling, theatrical performances, and social interactions. They vary greatly across cultures, and the type of humor appreciated often reflects societal norms and values. In modern times, jokes are found everywhere—from casual conversations to social media to professional settings like stand-up comedy.
The Joke That Went Too Far
Story
The Joke That Went Too Far
It was an ordinary Friday afternoon when Charlie decided to tell a joke at work. He had just finished reading a hilarious meme online, and he couldn’t resist sharing it with his colleagues. 'Why don’t skeletons fight each other?' he asked, pausing for dramatic effect. 'Because they don’t have the guts!' Everyone in the office groaned, but Charlie loved the reaction. 'Okay, okay, I’ve got another one!' He continued, launching into a second joke. As the jokes kept coming, the laughter grew louder, and Charlie felt like he was on top of the world. But then, he decided to take it a step further. 'I bet you can’t guess what happened when the chicken crossed the road,' he said. 'It got run over, of course!' The room went silent. 'That’s not funny, Charlie,' said Kate, the office manager. 'What if someone has lost a pet recently?' Charlie suddenly felt awkward. He hadn’t meant to offend anyone; it was just a joke. But sometimes, jokes can backfire. The mood shifted, and he quickly apologized, realizing that not everyone appreciates humor in the same way. 'I’m really sorry, everyone,' Charlie said, his face turning red. 'I was just joking.' He learned an important lesson that day: humor can unite, but it can also divide. From then on, he was careful about what kind of jokes he shared at work, always considering the context and the feelings of others before cracking a joke.
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