colossal joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "colossal joke" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is considered a huge joke or something that is absurd and humorous. For example, "The plan to build a tall tower out of straw was a colossal joke - it would never work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I want to know if the translation of those verses is a colossal joke left by the man who translated them so many years ago.

Huffington Post

However, they assured me that it was not a colossal joke and escorted me to the dressing room that I would share with only two other people, Mr. Massey and, get this... wait for it... wait... for... it... the Lady Bunny!

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

But Stillman keeps him under control, in check for a colossal cuckold joke later on.

The Guardian - Film

But then, McMillan's husband told her he had been gay all along, disappointing all those ladies, who realized their boy-toy dreams were a colossal cosmic joke.

The New York Times - Books

It is hard to pinpoint when the Millennium Dome, the Labor government's $1.3 billion celebration of national pride, clearly became a colossal national joke.

The New York Times

A Tory MP who has nothing better to do than be a colossal prick ("joke!") pointed his outrage cannons at Mr Zarb-Cousin, saying: "This is a shameful slur against the Queen".

The Guardian

We laugh, and we are meant to; but it all feels a bit like a colossal in-joke, and sits uneasily with the poise of much that has gone before.

The Guardian - Music

Thousands of visitors passed through, uncertain whether they were witnessing a colossal breakthrough or a monumental joke.

The New Yorker

In a four-star review for Rolling Stone, David Fricke wrote: "Drones is a truly guilty pleasure, like watching The Daily Show and knowing Jon Stewart's best jokes start with someone else's colossal error or hurt.

The Guardian - Music

Mr. Wheeler's yearning to do something on the colossal side led him into a dismal blunder shortly after the Rubinoff joke.

The New Yorker

Does anyone laugh at the wholesale slaughter of brave men?" Faced with colossal defeats, disfigured veterans and eroding confidence, many argued it was simply too soon for joking.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "colossal joke" to describe situations where the scale of the failure or absurdity is particularly striking. It adds emphasis and a touch of irony.

Common error

Avoid using "colossal joke" for trivial errors or minor inconveniences. The phrase is best reserved for situations with significant consequences or large-scale absurdity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "colossal joke" functions as a noun phrase that typically serves as a predicate nominative or object of a verb, describing something as a very large or significant joke. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "colossal joke" is a phrase used to describe something that is perceived as a very large and absurd failure. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It functions as a noun phrase to express strong disapproval or ridicule. While "colossal" is a high-impact word, the register of the phrase remains fairly neutral and most often appears in news sources. Alternatives such as "huge farce" or "monumental blunder" can be used to convey similar meanings with slight nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

monumental blunder

Similar to "colossal joke" but emphasizes the mistake aspect.

laughable error

Highlights the error that is so significant it becomes laughable.

huge farce

Replaces "joke" with "farce", emphasizing the deceptive and absurd nature of the situation.

total mockery

Replaces "joke" with "mockery", highlighting the act of ridicule and derision.

complete sham

Substitutes both "colossal" and "joke" to convey a sense of utter falseness and deception.

utter absurdity

Emphasizes the nonsensical and irrational nature of the situation, replacing both original words.

spectacular failure

Focuses on the scale and visibility of the failure.

massive failure

Focuses on the scale of the failure, downplaying the humorous aspect of the original phrase.

grand delusion

Implies that the "joke" is based on a widespread false belief or misconception.

pathetic excuse

Highlights the inadequacy and ridiculousness of an explanation or justification.

FAQs

How can I use "colossal joke" in a sentence?

You can use "colossal joke" to describe something that is a large failure or is utterly ridiculous. For example, "Their attempt to build a bridge out of cardboard was a "colossal joke"."

What can I say instead of "colossal joke"?

You can use alternatives like "huge farce", "complete sham", or "total mockery" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "colossal joke" or "big joke"?

"Colossal joke" implies a greater scale of absurdity or failure compared to "big joke", which is more general. The better choice depends on the magnitude you want to convey.

What's the difference between "colossal joke" and "monumental blunder"?

"Colossal joke" emphasizes the ridiculousness and absurdity, while "monumental blunder" focuses on the mistake and its significant negative consequences. Both imply a large scale, but their focus differs.