Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈə͡ʊnəz] (IPA) 
The word "groaners" is spelled with the combination of the letters "o" and "a" which represent a diphthong sound /əʊ/. This sound is commonly heard in British English and is represented in IPA transcription as /əʊ/. The "n" and "e" in the word are pronounced as /n/ and /ə/, respectively. "Groaners" is a plural form of "groaner", which refers to a joke or pun that provokes a groaning response due to its lack of humor or obviousness.
Groaners, in the context of humor and jokes, refer to a specific type of joke or pun that is intentionally corny, cheesy, or cliché, resulting in an exaggerated or theatrical groaning reaction from the listener. These jokes often rely on wordplay, puns, double entendres, or even simple yet predictable punchlines to elicit a response. While they may not be considered high-quality or intellectually stimulating forms of comedy, groaners are generally appreciated for their light-hearted and playful nature.
The term "groaner" originates from the audible response these types of jokes elicit, often causing listeners to mockingly groan or sigh in response to the predictability or cheesiness of the humor. Groaners can be found in various forms such as one-liners, puns, or even longer narratives, and are commonly used as icebreakers or in casual social settings to create a light and humorous atmosphere.
Although groaners are often considered to be lowbrow or overused, they still hold a special place in comedy due to their ability to bring people together through shared laughter. Their predictability and corniness can even serve as a source of comfort or familiarity, making them a reliable and accessible form of humor that can be enjoyed by a wide range of audiences.
In summary, groaners are jokes that intentionally provoke exaggerated reactions of groans or sighs due to their predictable, corny, or cheesy nature. Despite their simplicity, these types of jokes continue to be appreciated for their lightheartedness and ability to elicit laughter in various social settings.
The word "groaners" is derived from the verb "groan", which dates back to Middle English. The Middle English term "gronen" shares roots with Old English "grānian" and Dutch "grijnen", all of which referred to making a deep, low sound indicative of pain, discomfort, or displeasure. Over time, the noun form "groan" emerged, describing the actual sound or an instance of groaning. From there, the term "groaners" developed as a plural noun to refer to things that cause groaning, typically used to describe jokes or puns perceived as corny, cheesy, or lacking in humor.
