BAD JOKE Meaning and
Definition
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A bad joke refers to a type of humor that has failed to elicit the intended positive response, generally resulting in disappointment, apathy, or even offense from the listeners or audience. It is a humorous statement, anecdote, or play on words that lacks cleverness, wit, or comedic timing, and falls flat in terms of generating laughter or amusement.
Typically, bad jokes employ predictable punchlines, relying on clichéd or overused themes, absurdity, or nonsensical elements that fail to resonate with the listeners. These jokes often possess low-quality humor that may be deemed tasteless, offensive, or inappropriate, crossing social, cultural, or moral boundaries. Bad jokes can arise from poor delivery, lack of timing, or the absence of a clear setup, leading to confusion or misunderstanding instead of mirth.
While humor is subjective and can vary from person to person, bad jokes are typically characterized by their inability to connect with the audience, eliciting groans, eye rolls, or silence rather than laughter. They are often considered to be a sign of failing comedic abilities, as their humor is deemed unoriginal, unimaginative, or simply not funny. Despite their lackluster reception, bad jokes can occasionally serve as a source of amusement due to their sheer absurdity, unintentional humor, or the joy derived from their intentionally "bad" nature.
Etymology of BAD JOKE
The etymology of the phrase "bad joke" can be understood by examining the origins of the individual words.1. Bad: The word "bad" originates from the Old English word "bæddel" or "baeddel", which meant "effeminate man" or "hermaphrodite". Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to anything inferior, unpleasant, or of poor quality. In the context of a joke, it suggests that the joke is not funny or lacks comedic value.2. Joke: The word "joke" can be traced back to the Latin term "jocus", which referred to a jest, playful remark, or witty saying. It then transitioned into Old French as "jouk" or "jouque" and entered Middle English as "joke". A joke is typically a form of humor or something said or done to provoke laughter, amusement, or entertainment.
Idioms with the word BAD JOKE
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bad joke
A bad joke is a type of humor that is not funny or is considered to be in poor taste by most people. It is a joke that falls flat or offends people instead of making them laugh.
