a big joke

USAGE SUMMARY

"a big joke" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate something being said or done is humorous and not serious. Example: When he jumped off the roof of the building, everyone thought it was a big joke until the paramedics arrived.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's a big joke.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is a big joke to him".

The New York Times - Sports

But it's not just a big joke.

The Guardian

It was all a big joke, right?

The Washington Post

Is this all a big joke?

The Guardian - Arts

Maybe it wasn't such a big joke.

The New York Times - Sports

"It's a big joke," she said.

The Guardian

"She thinks it's a big joke".

The New York Times - Arts

They treat it like a big joke.

The New Yorker

"It's like a big joke to him," she said.

The New Yorker

So you think it's all a big joke?

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a big joke" when you want to convey that something is being treated as unserious, often with a humorous or dismissive tone. Make sure the context supports this interpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a big joke" in situations that require a serious or respectful tone. Its informal nature can undermine the gravity of the situation, leading to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a big joke" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a subject complement or an object of a preposition. It describes something that is considered unserious or ridiculous, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a big joke" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe something considered unserious or ridiculous. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, though it's best to avoid overusing it in overly formal settings. While it conveys dismissal or disdain, alternatives like "a complete farce" or "a mockery" might be more appropriate for formal writing. When used, "a big joke" effectively conveys that something is not to be taken seriously and often invites critical assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a complete farce

Focuses on the idea of something being ridiculous and absurd, similar to a joke but more critical.

a total sham

Emphasizes the deceptive or fraudulent nature of something, implying it's not genuine.

a laughing matter

Highlights whether something should be considered humorous or trivial.

a triviality

Downplays the significance of something, presenting it as unimportant or insignificant.

a mockery

Suggests something is being ridiculed or treated with contempt.

a pointless exercise

Highlights the futility and lack of value in an activity or situation.

a waste of time

Implies that something is not worth the effort or attention.

something to scoff at

Expresses disbelief or contempt for something.

a source of amusement

Highlights the enjoyable or entertaining aspect of something.

not to be taken seriously

Indicates that something should not be regarded as important or credible.

FAQs

How can I use "a big joke" in a sentence?

You can use "a big joke" to describe something that is not taken seriously or is considered ridiculous. For example, "The security measures at the airport felt like "a big joke"".

What are some alternatives to "a big joke"?

You can use alternatives like "a complete farce", "a total sham", or "a laughing matter" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a big joke" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a big joke" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more sophisticated and nuanced alternatives like "a complete farce" or "a mockery".

What does it mean when someone says something is "a big joke"?

When someone says something is "a big joke", they usually mean that it is ridiculous, unserious, or not worthy of respect. It often implies that the situation is being handled inappropriately or without the necessary gravity.