bitter fun

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bitter fun" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an experience that is enjoyable but also has a negative or painful aspect to it. Example: "The party was filled with bitter fun, as we laughed and reminisced about our past mistakes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"Armless bitter fun" read the headline.

Independent

A case of one unsuccessful collaboration between gay writers poking bitter fun at a rather more successful one?

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

There is a single, standard product that comes in packaging that is alternately sultry, energetic or fun -- bitter, brainy or Cramer "crazy" -- but which rarely strays beyond certain ideological boundaries.

Huffington Post

Dunham gave him plenty of scope to improvise Thomas-John's bitter rants, which were "tremendous fun.

Independent

It is a seriousness about art for art's sake as a sport played not for elegant fun but for bitter keeps.

The New Yorker

"We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places The Interview be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to," the message read.

Independent

Though few events have divided America more deeply than the outcome of the Bush-Gore presidential race, several marketers rushed out ads that tried to find some good-natured fun amid the bitter disputes.

The New York Times

The eighth collection of leaked Sony emails came with the following threat on Tuesday: 'We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places 'The Interview' be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to.

Independent

The Hill, April 10thIn this section Back from the brink In the DNA The man with half a plan Primary colour Lukewarm Curbing guns, but not too much Too young to have fun Accepted A bitter pill Reprints Related items John McCain's economics: The man with half a planApr 17th 2008Kill Hill "She's talking like she's Annie Oakley...She's packing a six-shooter".

The Economist

"We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places 'The Interview' be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to.

BBC

This comes on the heels of threats from the hackers, a group calling itself the Guardians Of Peace, who said that people who are at or around a showing of The Interview will "be shown how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to," and referencing 9/11.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bitter fun", ensure the context clearly establishes both the enjoyable and negative aspects. The phrase is most effective when the contrast is apparent.

Common error

Avoid using "bitter fun" when the situation is predominantly positive or humorous. The 'bitter' component must be genuinely present to make the phrase appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bitter fun" functions as a descriptive expression, combining an adjective modifying a noun. Based on Ludwig AI, it accurately conveys a feeling of enjoyment mixed with negativity. It highlights the paradoxical nature of an experience that is simultaneously pleasurable and unpleasant.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bitter fun" is a grammatically sound but relatively rare phrase used to describe experiences that blend enjoyment with negative emotions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to express complex, paradoxical feelings. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly highlights both the enjoyable and negative aspects. Consider alternatives like "painful amusement" or "ironic enjoyment" depending on the nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

painful amusement

Replaces "fun" with "amusement", emphasizing the slightly detached nature of the enjoyment derived from a negative experience.

ironic enjoyment

Highlights the contrast between the situation's inherent negativity and the paradoxical pleasure taken from it.

wry pleasure

Suggests a dry, mocking enjoyment derived from something unpleasant or disappointing.

dark humor

Shifts the focus to the comedic aspect of a grim or unsettling situation.

cynical amusement

Implies a more jaded and skeptical enjoyment of misfortune.

grim satisfaction

Highlights the sense of accomplishment or justice derived from a negative situation.

ambivalent pleasure

Emphasizes the conflicting emotions experienced when something enjoyable is intertwined with negativity.

mixed feelings

Captures the general sense of contradictory emotions without specifying the source of enjoyment.

tragic comedy

Focuses on the blend of sadness and humor in a situation, emphasizing the dramatic element.

sweet sorrow

Emphasizes the melancholic beauty and emotional depth of the combined experience.

FAQs

How can I use "bitter fun" in a sentence?

Use "bitter fun" to describe situations where enjoyment is tinged with negativity, like "The reunion was filled with "bitter fun" as we reminisced about old rivalries".

What phrases are similar to "bitter fun"?

Alternatives include "painful amusement", "ironic enjoyment", or "wry pleasure", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "bitter fun" a common expression?

While grammatically correct, "bitter fun" is not a particularly common expression. More conventional phrases might be better suited for general use.

What makes something qualify as "bitter fun" rather than just 'fun'?

"Bitter fun" implies a component of sadness, regret, or irony that tempers the enjoyment. If the experience is purely positive, then simply 'fun' is more appropriate.