The term "the funnies" refers to the comic strips found in newspapers or comic books. Its spelling is a bit unusual, as it is an informal and colloquial term that has been around since the early 20th century. The word "funnies" is pronounced as /ˈfəniz/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with a short "u" sound and a plural "s" ending. While it may not follow standard English spelling rules, it has become a recognizable term in popular culture.
The term "the funnies" refers to a colloquial expression commonly used to describe the comic strips or comic section of a newspaper. It harkens back to a time when comic strips were the primary source of humor and entertainment for readers in newspapers. "The funnies" is typically used in reference to the section of a newspaper or a collection of comic strips that offer humor, satire, or comedic storytelling through illustrations and concise dialogue.
These comic strips, commonly featured in newspapers, often showcase various characters, humorously depicting a range of situations, scenarios, or narratives. They typically engage readers with their visually captivating art styles, clever dialogue, and witty punchlines. The funnies are diverse in nature, catering to different tastes and age groups. They can include humorous strips that focus on character-driven jokes, slapstick comedy, social commentary, political satire, or adventure stories with comedic twists.
With the advent of digital media and technology, the term "the funnies" also encompasses the online or digital versions of comic strips. The funnies have evolved and expanded to include webcomics, which can be accessed through websites, social media platforms, or special comic strip apps.
Overall, "the funnies" serves as a shorthand term for the comic strip section of a newspaper or any collection of comedic illustrations that entertain and amuse readers with their humorous content.
The word "funnies" emerged in the early 20th century as a colloquial term for the section of a newspaper or magazine that contains comic strips. Its etymology is rooted in the concept of humor and amusement. The term "funnies" originated from the word "funny", which dates back to the late 18th century and means "providing amusement or causing laughter". Over time, "funnies" became a popular and widely understood term to refer to comic strips, ultimately leading to its association with the comic section of newspapers and magazines.