a standing joke

USAGE SUMMARY

"a standing joke" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means something that is repeatedly joked about or known to be a joke among a group of people. Example: "Ever since John accidentally tripped and fell into the pool at the company picnic, it has been a standing joke at the office." In this example, "a standing joke" is used to describe the ongoing joke about John's embarrassing incident that is known and referenced among his coworkers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was a standing joke.

The New Yorker

I have a standing joke.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

My husband and I have a standing joke.

The New York Times

It became a standing joke among the crew.

The New Yorker

The legacy has left a standing joke: "Australia has the best opera house in the world.

The Economist

For a time, it was a standing joke among Tottenham Hotspur fans.

The Times

My husband and my brother are semiretired, but it's almost a standing joke, their semiretirement.

The New York Times - Magazine

The burning river became a standing joke and a symbol of urban decay and runaway pollution.

The New York Times

In fact, she said, it was a standing joke between them.

The New York Times

It's a standing joke in baseball circles that position players cannot keep up with pitchers.

The New York Times - Magazine

Now put the camera over here.' It used to be a standing joke".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a standing joke" to describe situations or anecdotes that have become humorous through repeated retelling or reference within a specific group or context.

Common error

Avoid using "a standing joke" when referring to jokes that are offensive or hurtful. The phrase implies a lighthearted, consensual understanding of the humor within a group. If a joke is controversial or causes offense, it is not appropriately described as "a standing joke".

Linguistic Context

"A standing joke" functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject complement or an appositive. It identifies something that has become a source of repeated amusement or humorous reference within a particular group or context. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent usage in various sentence structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a standing joke" is a common and correct expression used to describe something that has become a recurring source of humor within a group. Ludwig AI’s analysis of numerous examples confirms its widespread usage in news and media, signifying shared humor and understanding. When using this phrase, ensure the context aligns with its lighthearted connotation and shared understanding, avoiding situations where the humor is offensive or exclusive. Remember that while alternatives exist, "a standing joke" specifically conveys the idea of a well-established and frequently referenced source of amusement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a recurring joke

Focuses on the repetition of the joke, rather than its established nature.

a long-running joke

Stresses the extended period over which the joke has been relevant.

a running gag

Highlights the continuation of the joke throughout a series of events or performances.

a well-worn joke

Emphasizes the frequency with which the joke has been told.

an old chestnut

Implies the joke is not only well-known but also somewhat tired or overused.

a common jest

Indicates the joke is widely known and appreciated.

a perennial jest

Highlights the long-lasting nature of the joke.

an inside joke

Refers to a joke understood only by a specific group of people.

a continual source of amusement

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

a constant ribbing

Suggests playful teasing or mockery, rather than a structured joke.

FAQs

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

You can use "a standing joke" to describe something that's been joked about repeatedly within a group. For example, "It's "a standing joke" that John always arrives late to meetings."

What are some alternatives to "a standing joke"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a recurring joke", "a running gag", or "an inside joke".

Is "standing joke" formal or informal?

"Standing joke" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in less formal settings.

What's the difference between "a standing joke" and "an inside joke"?

"A standing joke" is known and referenced among a group, while ""an inside joke"" is understood only by a select few within that group.