blue joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blue joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a joke that is risqué or inappropriate, often involving sexual content or themes. Example: "During the party, someone told a blue joke that made everyone laugh, but it also made a few guests uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

He can show his charm, he can tell a blue joke to the lads, but the truth is that many of those who shake his hand can see the snarl behind his smile.

The Guardian

I cannot pretend to laugh at another blue joke.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

(Blue jokes were coded: Sex was "supper").

The New York Times - Arts

He won't do blue jokes — except of the very mildest variety.

The New Yorker

In fact, Mr Kwasniewski was soon sharing vodka and blue jokes with legendary dissidents such as Adam Michnik and Jacek Kuron.

The Economist

It was filmed with three cameras in front of an audience like a classic sitcom, and was essentially a "King of Queens" with black humor and blue jokes.

The New York Times - Arts

(Question: What is Bernard Manning famous for? Answer: That is the question. Question: Who is the Archbishop of Canterbury? Answer: He's a fat man who tells blue jokes).

The Guardian - Tech

But he welcomed me warmly into the green room at the Generation Game, and completely won me over when he said that the blue jokes were not really the thing that had made Sinderalla so popular.

The Guardian

AMONG his many unguilty pleasures Marlboro Lights, Irish whiskey, bacon and eggs, blue jokes, smoke-filled dives where the music wandered on till four in the morning, voracious sex with good-looking men and women George Melly especially liked to fish.

The Economist

There are old jokes ("Tonight we have the famous lady from Belgium, Ann Twerp, the well-known contortionist Willie Snapit, the fearless lion-tamer Claud Bottom"), blue jokes ("King Midas. Everything he touched turned to gold – it could be very embarrassing"), surrealist jokes.

The Guardian

His friend, the late Walter Cronkite: My favorite memory of him was him telling these really blue jokes.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the term "blue joke", consider your audience and the context to ensure the humor is appropriate and won't cause offense. Remember that humor is subjective.

Common error

Relying too heavily on "blue jokes" can make your humor seem predictable and even offensive. Diversify your comedic repertoire to appeal to a wider range of tastes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blue joke" functions as a noun phrase, specifically as a compound adjective + noun construction. It describes a specific type of joke characterized by its risqué or sexually suggestive content. This is consistent with Ludwig AI insights.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "blue joke" refers to a risqué or sexually suggestive joke. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage frequency is rare. The term appears primarily in News & Media sources and should be used judiciously, considering the audience and context. Related phrases include "risqué joke", "off-color joke", and "bawdy joke". When writing, be mindful not to overuse "blue jokes" and diversify your humor to avoid causing offense.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

risqué joke

Refers to a joke that is sexually suggestive or indecent, similar to a "blue joke".

dirty joke

A more direct and common term for a sexually explicit or suggestive joke.

bawdy joke

Implies a joke that is coarsely humorous or indecent.

off-color joke

Indicates a joke that is in poor taste or slightly offensive.

indecent joke

Highlights the improper or offensive nature of the joke.

racy joke

Emphasizes the sexually suggestive content of the joke.

suggestive joke

Focuses on the implied sexual content or innuendo within the joke.

vulgar joke

Highlights the crude or obscene nature of the joke.

adult joke

Implies that the joke is intended for mature audiences due to its content.

naughty joke

Suggests a playful and slightly inappropriate joke.

FAQs

What does "blue joke" mean?

A "blue joke" is a joke that is considered risqué, bawdy, or off-color, typically involving sexual content or innuendo.

What can I say instead of "blue joke"?

You can use alternatives like "risqué joke", "off-color joke", or "bawdy joke" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it always appropriate to tell a "blue joke"?

No, the appropriateness of telling a "blue joke" depends heavily on the audience and the context. It's essential to consider whether the humor will be well-received or potentially offensive.

What's the difference between a "blue joke" and a dark joke?

A "blue joke" typically deals with sexual themes or innuendo, while a dark joke often involves morbid, taboo, or otherwise sensitive topics.