butt of jokes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "butt of jokes" is a correct and commonly used expression in written English.
It means to be the subject of jokes or ridicule. Example: Tom was always the butt of jokes in the office because of his clumsy nature.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

THEY were once the butt of jokes.

The Economist

He would be the butt of jokes.

The New York Times - Sports

ReprintsHe became the butt of jokes.

The Economist

"We were the butt of jokes.

The New York Times

He can also handle being the butt of jokes.

The New York Times

Two decades ago, its followers were the butt of jokes.

The Economist

Scotland's cuisine has long been the butt of jokes.

The New York Times

This makes him increasingly the butt of jokes.

The Economist

Notorious for their greed, they were the butt of jokes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Although he is often the butt of jokes, Errol is never embarrassed.

The New Yorker

Bald is the butt of jokes.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "butt of jokes" when you want to emphasize that someone or something is consistently ridiculed or mocked, often in a humorous way. Ensure the context implies a sustained pattern of jokes rather than a one-time event.

Common error

Avoid using "butt of jokes" to describe situations involving serious bullying or malicious intent. The phrase implies a degree of lightheartedness, so using it in severe contexts can be inappropriate and insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "butt of jokes" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It identifies the person, group, or thing that is the target of frequent or ongoing ridicule. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "butt of jokes" is a common English expression used to describe someone or something that is frequently ridiculed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media. While it can be used in various contexts, its tone leans towards neutral to informal, suggesting it's best suited for journalism, general writing, and less formal communications. When considering alternatives, phrases like "laughingstock" or "object of ridicule" may be appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

laughingstock

Focuses on the state of being ridiculous and intensely mocked.

object of ridicule

Highlights the act of being ridiculed rather than just joked about.

target of mockery

Emphasizes the intent behind the jokes being made.

figure of fun

Suggests a slightly less harsh and more playful form of being the subject of amusement.

subject of derision

Indicates a stronger sense of contempt and scorn.

punchline

Directly refers to the element of a joke that elicits laughter, implying someone is always the subject of jokes.

scapegoat

Implies being blamed and ridiculed, often unfairly, for the problems of others.

sitting duck

Suggests vulnerability to criticism and jokes.

whipping boy

Similar to scapegoat, but carries a historical connotation of someone punished for others' mistakes.

figure of scorn

Highlights the feeling of contempt felt towards the subject.

FAQs

How can I use "butt of jokes" in a sentence?

You can use "butt of jokes" to describe someone or something that is frequently ridiculed. For example, "After the embarrassing incident, he became the "butt of jokes" at the office."

What's a less harsh alternative to "butt of jokes"?

Alternatives like "figure of fun" or "subject of amusement" can be used when the ridicule is more playful than malicious.

Is it appropriate to use "butt of jokes" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "butt of jokes" is generally more suitable for informal or journalistic writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "object of ridicule" or "target of mockery".

What is the difference between "butt of jokes" and "laughingstock"?

"Butt of jokes" implies a continuous pattern of jokes, while "laughingstock" suggests a state of being considered ridiculous, often due to a single event or characteristic.