barrel of laughs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "barrel of laughs" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is very funny or entertaining. Example: "The comedy show last night was a barrel of laughs; I couldn't stop laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was no barrel of laughs.

The Guardian

Not that psychiatric wards are a barrel of laughs.

The Guardian

It wasn't a barrel of laughs to shoot.

The Guardian - Film

When does this over-spilling barrel of laughs occur exactly?

The Guardian

And their lives have been no barrel of laughs, either.

The New York Times

Lapland New Forest sounds like a barrel of laughs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Thank God I said no. She'd be a barrel of laughs".

Independent

You may have gathered that Mr. Kinnear's entry into authorship isn't exactly a barrel of laughs.

The New York Times - Arts

This hardly sounds like a barrel of laughs, but Jammy Dodger is rib-achingly funny.

The Guardian - Books

As such, they could hardly expect to be a barrel of laughs.

The Guardian - Film

Impressive stuff, but no barrel of laughs, unlike some of their peers.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "barrel of laughs" to describe situations, people, or events that provide a great deal of amusement. It's suitable for informal and semi-formal contexts.

Common error

While "barrel of laughs" is widely understood, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "entertaining" or "amusing" in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "barrel of laughs" is as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object. It describes something as being very funny or entertaining, aligning with Ludwig's AI analysis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Reference

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "barrel of laughs" is a common and correct idiom used to describe something that is very funny or entertaining. Ludwig's AI confirms its validity and widespread use, particularly in news and media. While appropriate for informal and semi-formal contexts, it should be used sparingly in highly formal writing. Consider alternatives like "a lot of fun" or "hilarious" depending on the desired tone. Understanding the nuances of its usage will enhance your writing and ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

very funny

A simple and direct way to express amusement.

hilarious

A direct adjective describing something extremely funny.

sidesplitting

Indicates something extremely funny, to the point of physical reaction.

a riot

Implies a wild and uncontrolled, but enjoyable, situation.

a hoot

Suggests something that is lighthearted and funny.

a scream

Similar to "a riot", but perhaps less chaotic.

a lot of fun

Focuses on the enjoyable aspect rather than the humorous one.

comical

Describes something that is intentionally or unintentionally funny.

a source of amusement

Highlights the origin of the laughter or enjoyment.

laughable

While similar, can sometimes imply something worthy of scornful laughter, depending on context.

FAQs

How can I use "barrel of laughs" in a sentence?

You can use "barrel of laughs" to describe something that is very funny or entertaining. For example, "The comedy show last night was a "barrel of laughs"; I couldn't stop laughing."

What does it mean when someone says something isn't a "barrel of laughs"?

If something isn't a "barrel of laughs", it means it's not enjoyable or amusing. It is the opposite of being funny or entertaining. For example, "Dealing with the aftermath of the storm was no "barrel of laughs"."

What can I say instead of "barrel of laughs"?

You can use alternatives like "a lot of fun", "hilarious", or "a riot" depending on the context.

Is "barrel of laughs" an idiom?

Yes, "barrel of laughs" is an idiom. It's a figurative expression whose meaning isn't predictable from the literal meanings of its individual words. It means that something is very funny or enjoyable.