groaner

Eye-roll inducer

A groaner is something that elicits groans—typically a bad joke or pun so corny it provokes exasperated reactions rather than laughter: Dad told another groaner at dinner.

The term can also describe any performance, situation, or creative work that makes people groan from embarrassment or disappointment: The movie was a real groaner.

corny

cheesy

Cheap and insincere

hokeyCheaply sentimental or contrived
triteOverused, lacking freshness
hackneyedOverused and unoriginal

clichéd · kitschy · schmaltzy · sappy · stale · tired · worn-out · predictable · overdone · old-hat

reaction

wince

Reflexive recoil from distress

grimaceTwisted expression of displeasure
flinchInvoluntary retreat from threat
eye-rollGesture of exasperation

facepalm · sigh · cringe · squirm · shudder · exasperation

pun

wordplay

Verbal wit techniques

quipBrief, clever remark
double-entendreWords with suggestive second meaning
one-linerBrief standalone joke

eye-roll · facepalm · cheesy · corny · lame · predictable · obvious · setup · punchline · delivery

Categories

comedycomedy, jokes, humor, puns, sarcasm
humorjoke, jokes, joking, comedy, comic
jokesjokes, joke, puns, one-liners, pun
wordplaypun, puns, punning, punny, punster
comedy wordsjoke, gag, pun, jest, quip
witticismsquips, witticisms, witticism, bon mots, bon mot

Opposites

comedic quality

groanerknee-slapper

Uproarious comedic bit

zinger · bon mot · profundity · sharp wit · riot

audience reaction

groanercrowd-pleaser

Broadly appealing entertainment

showstopper · laugh riot · belly laugh · scream · sidesplitter

Phrases

groaning boardFood-laden feast table

Family

groan, groaning, groans, groaned, groaners

Familiarity: Top 100,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Everyday, not technical · Rated G