a broad joke

USAGE SUMMARY

"a broad joke" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to a joke that is funny but slightly crass or rude in its humor. For example: "I chuckled at my brother's broad joke, although I'm sure it would have offended some of our more sensitive guests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ms. Spiegel could tell a broad joke ("I used to think pedophilia was people who liked feet") and knew how to reveal plot and character gradually to build suspense.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

In this new version the couple's reconciliation comes off as a broad, confusing joke rather than a bitter one, which is typical of this production.

The New York Times

The night has come to stand for eccentricity, kookiness and precision — everything you don't get in the world of the CBS laugh track and broad joke.

The New York Times - Arts

Created by Mel Brooks and Buck Henry amid a pop-culture spy craze fueled by the cold war and Ian Fleming, Max was the borscht belt Bond, the seemingly inexpert, ambiguously ethnic American operative who, starting in 1965 and armed with broad jokes, slapstick and a capable female sidekick, Agent 99 (Barbara Feldon, a cool number), somehow for five seasons managed to come out on top.

The New York Times

Powell's parody of a Scouting manual ("A Guide for Boys") is full of broad jokes meant to fail: "Nuts are always nice, / though they may need grinding".

The New Yorker

He revels in balletic poses and broad jokes and has a soft spot for intrusive mime.

The New York Times - Arts

In an era of comedy characterized by broad jokes and rapid delivery, his style was subtle and languid.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Haha! (Wait, which bit was funny? The lawyer who wrote about "cash for gash"? Or the "big-titted broad" jokes?) The FA took an age to say anything at all, before eventually deciding there was nothing it could do.

The Guardian - Sport

An outgoing man who favors broad jokes, Sharp told McEwan that he was a football fan; his brother confessed to little interest.

The New Yorker

The visual gags and broad jokes come loose and fast.

The Guardian - Film

The opening scenes include some broad jokes at the movie industry's expense.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a broad joke", consider your audience and the appropriateness of the humor, as it can be perceived as insensitive by some.

Common error

Avoid assuming that everyone will appreciate "a broad joke". Be mindful of cultural differences and individual sensitivities to prevent unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a broad joke" functions as a noun phrase, where "broad" modifies the noun "joke". It describes the type or style of joke being told. Ludwig shows it's often used in media reviews and commentary.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a broad joke" describes a type of humor that is generally obvious, exaggerated, and accessible to a wide audience. While grammatically correct and understandable, its appropriateness varies depending on the context and audience. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in written English, suggesting mindful usage to avoid potential insensitivity. While prevalent in News & Media, the overall frequency of the phrase is uncommon. Consider alternatives like "general joke" or "obvious joke" to better suit the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a general joke

Replaces "broad" with "general", focusing on the widespread appeal rather than the potentially crude nature of the joke.

an obvious joke

Emphasizes the lack of subtlety in the joke, making it easily understood by a wide audience.

a widely understood joke

Highlights that the joke is easily grasped by many people.

a common joke

Indicates that the joke is well-known and frequently told.

a simple joke

Suggests the joke is straightforward and easy to comprehend, without complex layers.

a lowbrow joke

Indicates that the joke is unsophisticated and possibly crude.

a tasteless joke

Highlights the potential for the joke to be offensive or in poor taste.

a crude joke

Emphasizes the vulgar or offensive nature of the joke.

a ribald joke

Indicates the joke is humorous in a coarse or indecent way.

a vulgar joke

Stresses that the joke is offensive and lacks refinement.

FAQs

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

You can use "a broad joke" to describe humor that is obvious, exaggerated, or sometimes considered crude. For example, "The comedian's routine was filled with "broad jokes" that appealed to a wide audience".

What is the difference between "a broad joke" and "a subtle joke"?

"A broad joke" is typically obvious and easily understood, while "a subtle joke" relies on nuance, wit, and may require more thought to appreciate. "A broad joke" aims for immediate, widespread laughter, whereas "subtle humor" may be appreciated by a smaller, more discerning audience.

What are some synonyms for "a broad joke"?

Synonyms for "a broad joke" include "a general joke", "an obvious joke", or "a simple joke". These alternatives capture the idea of humor that is easily accessible and widely understood.

Is it always appropriate to tell "a broad joke"?

No, it is not always appropriate. The appropriateness of "a broad joke" depends on the context and the audience. It may be suitable in informal settings but can be inappropriate in professional or formal environments where sensitivities may be higher.