Cold funny

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cold funny" is not standard in written English and may be confusing to readers.
It could be used to describe humor that is delivered in a deadpan or emotionless manner, but clarity may be lacking without additional context. Example: "His jokes were so cold funny that I couldn't tell if he was serious or just trying to be humorous."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The film is "a cold, funny number about the erotics of money and the seduction of death," Manohla Dargis wrote in The New York Times in August.

The New York Times

The first image in David Cronenberg's "Cosmopolis," a cold, funny number about the erotics of money and the seduction of death, is that of a chrome grille on a white stretch limousine.

The New York Times

(Jeannette Catsoulis) 'Cosmopolis' (R, 1 48) David Cronenberg directs this cold, funny adaptation of the 2003 Don DeLillo novel starring Robert Pattinson as a zomboid billionaire, one of the limo riding masters of the universe who, over the course of a long day and night, loses a great deal and, by doing so, becomes human.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Detachment is what leads to a cold and funny reported piece.

The New York Times

Cold, but funny.

Huffington Post

I have visited the town of "Brazil" and "California" at the German part of the Baltic Sea and they were very different than their same-named brothers and sisters: Cold but funny!

Huffington Post

Their clothes are a bit weird – loads of rugby shirts that you could never play rugby in, baggy chinos and maxi skirts – and their kitchen is really cold and funny-smelling, but at the end of the day they mean well.

Vice

It's about a woman listing the faults of her husband after the last line has been crossed — "The word is faithful/ look it up," etc. — and it's neither hot nor cold, nor very funny.

The New York Times - Arts

On Aug. 29, he came home from work — his company had recently bought the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino — to find Michelle Lynn Hatchel, of Parker, Colo., "stiff," "cold" and "different funny colors," according to the tape of a 911 call he made.

The New York Times

In fact, the comments were about as funny as a cold sweat followed by shooting pains down the left arm.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nanni Moretti, an actor and director who has evolved from mischievous comedy ("Dear Diary") through poignant domestic drama ("The Son's Room") to become Italy's leading cinematic social critic, is represented by "We Have a Pope," in which he plays a psychoanalyst asked to treat a newly elected pontiff (Michel Piccoli) with a serious (and quite funny) case of cold feet.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Cold funny" to describe humor that is intentionally unemotional or detached. Be aware that this phrasing might not be universally understood and could require additional context.

Common error

Avoid using "Cold funny" when you mean genuinely lighthearted or jovial humor. This phrase implies a level of detachment or irony that may not be suitable for all comedic contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Cold funny" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe a particular type of humor. It suggests humor that is delivered without emotion or warmth. Ludwig AI examples demonstrate its use in describing the tone of a film or a person's remarks.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Cold funny" is an adjectival phrase used to describe a type of humor characterized by detachment or lack of emotion. Ludwig AI marks this phrase as acceptable though potentially lacking clarity. With limited examples available, mostly in News & Media, it is considered rare. Alternative phrases like "dryly humorous" or "deadpan funny" might provide greater clarity in certain contexts. Use this phrase when you intend to convey that the humor is delivered in an unemotional or ironic manner.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Dryly humorous

Emphasizes a humor style that is understated and delivered without emotion.

Deadpan funny

Highlights humor delivered with a deliberately expressionless demeanor.

Ironic humor

Focuses on humor that uses irony or sarcasm.

Wry humor

Implies a blend of humor and bitterness.

Subtle humor

Suggests humor that is not immediately obvious.

Darkly comedic

Highlights humor that deals with serious or morbid subjects.

Droll humor

Indicates an amusingly odd or whimsical quality.

Satirical wit

Focuses on humor that mocks or criticizes through satire.

Unsmiling comedy

Highlights comedy that's perceived without smiling or laughing.

Bone-dry humor

Emphasizes extremely dry and understated humor.

FAQs

What does "Cold funny" mean?

"Cold funny" describes humor that is delivered in a deadpan or emotionless way. It can also refer to humor that is dark or ironic.

What can I say instead of "Cold funny"?

You can use alternatives like "dryly humorous", "deadpan funny", or "ironic humor" depending on the context.

Is "Cold funny" grammatically correct?

While not a standard or widely recognized phrase, "Cold funny" is understandable and can be considered acceptable in informal contexts. However, Ludwig AI advises that it might lack clarity without additional context.

How to use "Cold funny" in a sentence?

Example: "His jokes were so "cold funny" that I couldn't tell if he was serious or just trying to be humorous."