In Part 1 of this series, we looked at the basics, some common phrases, and different types of humour. Today, let’s continue to look at vocabulary for talking about humour in English!

Describing jokes

Next, let’s take a look at some words that can describe jokes: 

• A joke that makes you laugh is “funny.” 

• A really funny joke is “hilarious.” 

• A joke that is funny but also a bit stupid is “goofy” or “silly.” 

• A joke that is not funny at all is “dull” or “lame” (informal). 

• A bad quality joke or a joke that is in bad taste is “cheesy.” 

• A particularly bad joke can be called “a groaner” (a joke that makes you groan instead of laughing).

Verbs for reacting to jokes

The most common response to something funny is to “laugh,” but depending on the situation and how you laugh, there may be a more specific word to describe it. For example, if you “chuckle,” you laugh softly or quietly, but if you “guffaw,” you laugh loudly. You might also “smirk,” “snicker,” “giggle,” or “chortle,” depending on how you laugh! Of course, not all jokes are funny, and when you hear a lame (bad) joke, you’re likely to “groan” (a sound that we also make when annoyed, unhappy, or in pain!). Note that all of these verbs can also be used as nouns.

• I laughed pretty loudly when I heard the news, actually.

• His jokes got a few chuckles out of the audience, but nothing was hilarious.

• What are you two giggling about? What are you up to over there?

Laughing in text

“Haha” represents laughing, while “hehe” represents chuckling. Use “haha” when something is really funny and “hehe” when it’s a little funny. 

• Haha no way! Did he really say that? That’s hilarious!

“Haha” can also be used sarcastically to mean that something is not funny. 

• Haha! Very funny! Now give me my keys back. (= I’m not amused by you taking/hiding my keys. Give them back now.)

“Hehe” can also refer to snickering when someone is being sneaky or secretive.

• I told him school was canceled today hehe. Can’t wait to see his reaction when he finds out it isn’t!

More commonly, you may see “lol” (laughing out loud), “rofl” (rolling on the floor laughing), and “lmao” (laughing my ass off) in text messages. You can use “lol” for funny things and “rofl” or “lmao” for hilarious things. You may also notice that some people end messages with “lol” even when there is nothing funny. It seems to be just a habit for some people!

Well, I think that’s enough for now! I hope this vocabulary will help you to talk about humour and jokes in English!