Cold joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Cold joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a joke that is not well-received or falls flat, often because it is inappropriate or lacks humor. Example: "He tried to lighten the mood with a cold joke, but everyone just stared at him in silence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Even the brothers' customary declarations about their bond went weird – Ed pointing towards David's end of the table to make a point about the "only candidate I love", to be answered by David making a cold joke about why his brother suddenly fancied Diane Abbott.

The Guardian

"It's also the cold joke that goes unchallenged; it's the offhand comment about not wanting 'those people' in the neighborhood.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some of the most indelible images in "Humanity" are of the "cold jokes" that brutes all over the world have used to strip their victims of dignity and make cruelty come easier.

The New York Times - Books

"It could be colder," jokes one.

BBC

Butch Cassidy hobbled by a stroke is a cold-hearted joke for a movie to use, and "Money" isn't sure what to do with the discomfort it elicits.

The New York Times

"I don't know why there have been so few, perhaps black people don't like the cold," he jokes.

BBC

Waiting in long, long lines, and in numbing cold, we joked and smiled and made endless chit chat.

Huffington Post

Twitter – a rolling feed of other people's opinions and counter-opinions and outrage and inrage and cold, lonely jokes about Taco Bell.

Vice

Tran had no idea what was coming when she read the joke cold off, a source close to Tran told TMZ.

Los Angeles Times

"I'm Indian; it's too cold," Mr. Khanna joked.

The New York Times

We headed to the busy station so she could observe me telling jokes "cold", without any prior guidance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cold joke", consider the context and audience. This phrase is most effective when describing humor that is intentionally or unintentionally insensitive or poorly received.

Common error

Avoid using "cold joke" to describe simply 'unfunny' jokes. The phrase implies a degree of insensitivity or cruelty, so ensure the joke in question warrants such a description.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cold joke" is to act as a noun phrase, where "cold" modifies the noun "joke". As Ludwig AI shows, this expression is used to describe jokes considered insensitive, cruel, or simply unfunny.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Books

33%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cold joke" is a way to describe a joke that fails to amuse and often comes across as insensitive or cruel. According to Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, though its usage is relatively rare. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, the phrase serves to negatively evaluate humor that lacks warmth or empathy. When employing this phrase, consider whether the joke genuinely warrants such a description, or whether alternatives like "bad joke" or "unfunny quip" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Tasteless joke

Replaces "cold" with "tasteless", emphasizing the offensive or insensitive nature of the joke.

Inappropriate joke

Focuses on the unsuitability of the joke for a given context.

Insensitive joke

Highlights the lack of consideration for others' feelings in the joke.

Failed attempt at humor

Indicates that the joke did not achieve its intended effect.

Poorly received joke

Emphasizes the negative reaction to the joke.

Flat joke

Describes a joke that lacks impact or amusement.

Humorless remark

Suggests the statement was intended to be funny but lacked humor.

Awkward attempt at humor

Focuses on the uncomfortable or clumsy delivery of the joke.

Unfunny quip

Highlights the lack of amusement generated by the comment.

Ill-conceived joke

Implies that the joke was poorly planned or thought out from the start.

FAQs

How can I describe a joke that isn't funny without using the phrase "cold joke"?

You can use alternatives like "bad joke", "failed attempt at humor", or "unfunny quip" depending on the context.

What distinguishes a "cold joke" from a "dark joke"?

A "cold joke" is primarily characterized by its lack of warmth or empathy, often due to insensitivity or inappropriateness. A dark joke, on the other hand, tackles taboo subjects like death or suffering but may still be found humorous by some.

Is "cold joke" always negative in connotation?

Yes, "cold joke" typically carries a negative connotation, implying that the joke is insensitive, cruel, or simply falls flat due to its lack of humor or appropriateness. It suggests a lack of connection or empathy with the audience.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "cold joke"?

The phrase "cold joke" is appropriate when describing humor that is not only unfunny but also potentially offensive, insensitive, or delivered without consideration for the feelings of others. It's often used when the joke makes others uncomfortable.