a rolling joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a rolling joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a joke that is continuously told or shared, often evolving over time or gaining new context with each telling. Example: "The story of his mishap became a rolling joke among our friends, with each retelling adding a new twist."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Stop Marina Abramović blog is a rolling joke of fake Abramović stories and quotes, dedicated to satirising someone who is, in the campaign's words, "the very definition of humourless".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

On their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary she told him they deserved a 'croix de guerre - a medal for distinguished combat', and Hopper responded by making them a coat of arms out of a rolling pin and a ladle, joking about the honour of mutual domestic violence.

The Guardian - Arts

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

Vice

"Like a rolling stone.

The New York Times - Arts

"A rolling sneeze.

The New Yorker

A rolling suitcase?

The New York Times - Travel

"It's a rolling generator, and inexpensive".

The New York Times

The thing was a rolling checkbook!

The New Yorker

Flour a rolling board.

WikiHow

Get a rolling start.

WikiHow

Take a rolling chair, princess.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a rolling joke" to describe a joke that is told repeatedly and might evolve or take on new meanings with each retelling.

Common error

Avoid using "a rolling joke" to describe a single, isolated joke. This phrase implies a joke that has a history or is part of a larger narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a rolling joke" functions as a noun phrase, where "rolling" acts as an adjective modifying "joke". Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating it adheres to standard English grammar.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a rolling joke" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a joke that is told repeatedly, often evolving over time. While not as common as alternatives like "a running gag", it effectively conveys the idea of a joke with a continuous or iterative nature. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and the provided examples show its applicability in news and media, as well as more informal, wiki-based contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context implies a joke that is not just told once, but has a history of being retold and potentially modified.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an ongoing jest

Emphasizes the continuous nature of the joke, replacing "rolling" with "ongoing" and "joke" with "jest".

a running gag

Highlights the repetitive aspect of the joke, suggesting it's a recurring humorous element.

a persistent joke

Focuses on the joke's ability to endure or remain relevant.

a continuing source of amusement

Shifts the focus to the effect of the joke rather than its structure.

a perpetual source of humor

Similar to the previous phrase, emphasizing the enduring quality of the humor.

a never-ending joke

Emphasizes the infinite or seemingly endless quality of the joke.

a long-lived joke

Highlights the joke's longevity or extended lifespan.

a recurring bit

A more informal way of describing a joke that is often repeated.

an evergreen joke

Implies the joke remains fresh and funny over a long period.

a frequently told joke

Focuses on how often the joke is shared, highlighting its popularity.

FAQs

How can "a rolling joke" be used in a sentence?

You can use "a rolling joke" to describe a joke that's continuously told or shared, evolving with each telling. For example, "The story of his mishap became "a rolling joke" among our friends."

What phrases are similar to "a rolling joke"?

Similar phrases include "a running gag", "an ongoing jest", or "a persistent joke", all suggesting a joke that is repeated or continues over time.

Is "a rolling joke" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "a rolling joke" is not as common as phrases like "a running joke". Its use is acceptable but might be considered less conventional.

What kind of jokes qualify as "a rolling joke"?

"A rolling joke" typically applies to anecdotes or situations that are humorous and retold frequently, often becoming embellished or gaining new significance with each iteration.