bad joke
Pun gone wrong
A bad joke is one that fails to amuse—whether because it's poorly constructed, offensive, or simply unfunny.
The term also describes situations so absurd or frustrating they seem like cruel humor: This commute has become a bad joke.
A joke can be bad because it's groan-worthy (Dad's puns are always bad jokes) or because it crosses lines of taste.
Low vocal expression of distress
- eye-rollGesture of exasperation
- facepalmGesture showing exasperation
- winceReflexive recoil from distress
- grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
awkward · uncomfortable · secondhand embarrassment · squirm · flinch · shudder · painful · blush
Tiresomely sentimental or trite
- punWordplay using double meanings
- predictableAble to be foreseen
- clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
- hackneyedOverused and unoriginal
tired · overused · unoriginal · lame · cheesy · hokey · groan-worthy · worn-out
Wordplay using double meanings
- knock-knockDoor-announcing sound repeated
- one-linerBrief standalone joke
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- quipBrief, clever remark
wisecrack · zinger · shaggy dog · wordplay · setup · punchline · callback · running gag
groan
Low vocal expression of distress
- eye-rollGesture of exasperation
- facepalmGesture showing exasperation
- winceReflexive recoil from distress
grimace · awkward · uncomfortable · secondhand embarrassment · squirm · flinch · shudder · painful · blush · discomfort
corny
Tiresomely sentimental or trite
- punWordplay using double meanings
- predictableAble to be foreseen
- clichéOverused, unoriginal expression
hackneyed · tired · overused · unoriginal · lame · cheesy · hokey · groan-worthy · worn-out · moldy
pun
Wordplay using double meanings
- knock-knockDoor-announcing sound repeated
- one-linerBrief standalone joke
- gagMouth restraint or jest
quip · wisecrack · zinger · shaggy dog · wordplay · setup · punchline · callback · running gag · slapstick
vulgar
Crude or indecent
raunchy · blue · indecent · bawdy · ribald · smutty · off-color · profane · obscene · crude
bad jokecrowd-pleaser
Broadly appealing entertainment
showstopper · laugh riot · hit · winner