ability to laugh at oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ability to laugh at oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's capacity for self-deprecation or humor about their own flaws or mistakes. Example: "Having the ability to laugh at oneself is an important trait that can help build resilience and foster positive relationships."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

The ability to laugh at oneself is a critical qualifier for working there, employees say.

The Washington Post

I feel that the ability to laugh at oneself is part of being a mature, comfortable human being".

The New Yorker

And laughter should be used sparingly with teenagers, a stage that rarely includes the ability to laugh at oneself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Calcutta, and India in general, could do with more good science, less cultural breast-beating and the occasional ability to laugh at oneself.

The New York Times

Seriousness and self-righteousness seem to have driven out the ability to laugh at oneself.

Huffington Post

In my years of writing and researching this topic, what I've always felt is missing from the discourse around sexuality is a sense of self-awareness the ability to laugh at oneself-awareness the thability kink, fantosy, and relaughnships cat be really ridiculoneselfetimes.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He had an ability to laugh at himself.

The New Yorker

And he always had the ability to laugh at himself.

The Washington Post

Lindh's ability to laugh at herself contributed to this.

The Guardian

Despite all of his accomplishments, Kidd maintains an ability to laugh at himself.

The New York Times

Phil has such an unusual ability to laugh at things, whether we're behind or tied.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "ability to laugh at oneself" to show emotional intelligence and resilience. It's valued in team settings and leadership positions.

Common error

Avoid excessive self-deprecation, as it can be misinterpreted as a lack of confidence. Use the "ability to laugh at oneself" judiciously and in appropriate contexts to demonstrate humility, not insecurity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ability to laugh at oneself" functions as a noun phrase that describes a personal attribute or characteristic. It highlights the capacity for self-awareness and humor in dealing with one's own imperfections or mistakes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ability to laugh at oneself" is a grammatically correct and valuable expression that signifies emotional intelligence and resilience. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage, noting its prevalence in neutral contexts such as news and media. While it is a positive attribute, use it judiciously to avoid misinterpretations of insecurity. Enhance your communication by understanding its nuances and related phrases such as "capacity for self-deprecating humor" and "skill in self-mockery".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

capacity for self-deprecating humor

Focuses on the humor aspect, highlighting the act of making fun of oneself in a lighthearted way.

skill in self-mockery

Emphasizes the skill or talent involved in making fun of oneself.

sense of self-awareness and humor

Highlights the combination of understanding oneself and having a humorous outlook.

knack for finding humor in one's own flaws

Focuses on the natural talent for discovering amusement in personal imperfections.

talent for not taking oneself too seriously

Highlights the aptitude for maintaining a lighthearted perspective about oneself.

capability to see the funny side of one's mistakes

Focuses on the ability to recognize and appreciate the humorous aspects of personal errors.

aptitude for self-irony

Emphasizes the use of irony directed at oneself.

propensity to poke fun at oneself

Highlights the tendency or inclination to playfully tease oneself.

willingness to be self-deprecating

Focuses on the readiness or openness to make fun of oneself.

strength in maintaining a light perspective about oneself

Emphasizes the fortitude to keep an optimistic outlook on one's identity and actions.

FAQs

How can I demonstrate the "ability to laugh at oneself" in an interview?

Share a brief, lighthearted anecdote about a mistake you made and what you learned from it. This shows self-awareness and a willingness to learn.

What are the benefits of having the "ability to laugh at oneself"?

It can improve relationships, reduce stress, and increase resilience. It demonstrates humility and makes you more approachable.

What's the difference between "ability to laugh at oneself" and self-deprecation?

"Ability to laugh at oneself" is about healthy self-awareness and humor, while self-deprecation can be excessive and stem from low self-esteem. The former is a strength, the latter can be a weakness.

Are there situations where it's inappropriate to show the "ability to laugh at oneself"?

Yes, avoid self-deprecating humor in situations that require seriousness, such as critical feedback sessions or when addressing sensitive topics. Context matters.