for laughs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for laughs" is a perfectly acceptable and widely used phrase in written English.
It is typically used as an informal way to indicate that something is happening or being done simply for amusement and not for any serious purpose. For example: "We decided to try out the karaoke machine for laughs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's played for laughs.

The Guardian - Film

Not for laughs.

The New York Times - Sports

Comedy Mime for Laughs!

The Guardian

Playing it for laughs, is where.

Independent

Monday offered plenty of chances for laughs.

The New York Times

But you cannot play it for laughs".

The New York Times - Arts

Foul language and violence played for laughs.

The New York Times

We never played Humpday for laughs.

Independent

Even the scenery gets played for laughs.

The New York Times

OLIVIER played it for laughs.

The New York Times

But the songs weren't played for laughs.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "for laughs" when the primary intention is to create amusement or entertainment, even if the action itself is not inherently humorous. For example: "We tried the new virtual reality game for laughs, even though we knew it was probably terrible."

Common error

Avoid using "for laughs" when the action has serious implications or consequences. Using it in such contexts might trivialize the situation and be perceived as insensitive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for laughs" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the purpose or reason behind an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is often used informally to express that something is done primarily for amusement or entertainment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "for laughs" is a common and generally acceptable English expression used to indicate that an action is done primarily for amusement or entertainment. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely understood. While its use is primarily informal, it appears frequently in news and media sources. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the desired tone and doesn't trivialize serious situations. Alternatives such as "for amusement" or "as a joke" can be considered depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Overall, "for laughs" serves as a simple way to highlight a lighthearted intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for amusement

Focuses more directly on the entertainment aspect of the action.

for fun

Implies a lighthearted and enjoyable reason for doing something.

as a joke

Highlights the intention to create humor, possibly at someone's expense.

in jest

A more formal way of saying "as a joke", suggesting a playful intent.

to be funny

Emphasizes the goal of eliciting laughter or amusement.

for comical effect

Indicates an intention to create a humorous or absurd result.

to amuse oneself

Highlights personal entertainment and enjoyment.

for kicks

Suggests doing something for the thrill or excitement it provides.

to lighten the mood

Implies a desire to make a situation less serious or tense.

on a whim

Indicates doing something impulsively and without serious consideration.

FAQs

What does "for laughs" mean?

The phrase "for laughs" means something is done purely for amusement or entertainment, without any serious intent or purpose.

How can I use "for laughs" in a sentence?

You can use "for laughs" to describe an action done to create amusement, such as "We entered the pie-eating contest "for laughs", not expecting to win."

What are some alternatives to saying "for laughs"?

Alternatives include "for amusement", "for fun", or "as a joke", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to do something "for laughs"?

No, it's not always appropriate. Using "for laughs" is suitable for lighthearted situations, but avoid it when the subject matter is serious or could cause offense. Consider the context carefully before using it.