cruel joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cruel joke" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a joke that is hurtful or insensitive to someone. Example: The comedian's remark about the victim's disability was a cruel joke and caused many in the audience to gasp in disbelief.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Cotswolds: cruel joke.

The New Yorker

A cruel joke, this.

The New York Times

A cruel joke, nothing new.

The New York Times

It felt unfair, a cruel joke.

The New York Times

(The police? That is a cruel joke).

The New Yorker

"Los Angeles Dodgers" — what a cruel joke!

The New Yorker

Today that is just a cruel joke.

The New York Times - Books

Life is nothing but a cruel joke.

The Guardian - Film

The middle years lapsed into being a cruel joke.

The New York Times - Books

What if this is all a cruel joke on us?

The New York Times

"It's a cruel joke, you know," Petrie said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cruel joke", ensure the context clearly establishes who or what is being affected by the joke and why it is considered cruel. This adds clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cruel joke" lightly. Overusing it can diminish its impact. Consider the emotional weight of the situation you're describing to ensure the phrase is appropriate and adds value, rather than coming across as insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cruel joke" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "cruel" modifies the noun "joke". It denotes a situation, event, or statement that is ironically or devastatingly unfair. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

0%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cruel joke" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations marked by irony, injustice, or misfortune. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is primarily used in News & Media, where it conveys disappointment or outrage. While generally neutral in register, its impact depends on the context and the severity of the situation being described. When employing "cruel joke", ensure clarity in the context and consider the emotional weight to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like "bitter irony" or "cruel twist of fate" can offer nuanced expressions of similar sentiments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bitter irony

Focuses on the ironic and often painful nature of the situation.

cruel twist of fate

Emphasizes the role of fate in creating a harsh and unfair situation.

unfortunate jest

Highlights the element of humor, albeit inappropriate or unwelcome.

nasty trick

Implies intentional deception or malice behind the situation.

ironic misfortune

Combines the elements of irony and bad luck in the situation.

twisted humor

Highlights the dark and often inappropriate nature of the humor involved.

sick joke

Indicates a joke that is offensive or in bad taste.

cruel mockery

Stresses the mocking or ridiculing aspect of the situation.

bitter pill to swallow

Emphasizes the difficulty and unpleasantness of accepting the situation.

unfair jest

Highlights the injustice and inequity of the situation.

FAQs

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

You can use "cruel joke" to describe a situation or event that is ironically unfair or hurtful. For example, "His promotion felt like a cruel joke, considering his years of dedication without recognition."

What are some alternatives to saying "cruel joke"?

Alternatives include "bitter irony", "cruel twist of fate", or "unfortunate jest", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cruel joke" grammatically correct?

Yes, "cruel joke" is grammatically correct as an adjective-noun phrase. Ludwig confirms its proper usage.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "cruel joke"?

It may be inappropriate to use "cruel joke" when describing situations where the pain or suffering of others is trivialized or made light of without considering the gravity of the matter. Be mindful of sensitivity.