just for laughs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just for laughs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is done for amusement or humor rather than for a serious purpose. Example: "I told a silly joke at the party, but it was just for laughs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(O.K., those last two were just for laughs).

The New Yorker

The décor is just for laughs, Mr. Akturk said.

The New York Times

"He's just obnoxious in a nice way, just for laughs.

The New York Times

They have no alliance with Just for Laughs.

The Guardian

Stanhope had a previous run-in with Just for Laughs.

The Guardian

"It's the nature of the business," says Mr. Nulman at Just for Laughs.

The New York Times

Both roles can be played just for laughs and adorableness; they have been, many times.

The New Yorker

I stole an MBTA bus when I was 13 just for laughs and never got caught.

The New York Times

"It was a sOrt of lark, just for laughs;" Corporal Dalton said of his enlistment.

The New York Times

(Angelo) 'Just for Laughs Character Auditions' (Monday) This preview of Montreal's prestigious Just for Laughs festival features local comedians, who will be showcasing their character work and vying for a spot in the festival.

The New York Times - Arts

You may justifiably ask if that meant the earlier review had been done just for laughs.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just for laughs" to signal a shift in tone, indicating that something previously discussed seriously is now being approached humorously.

Common error

Avoid using "just for laughs" when the situation requires sensitivity or seriousness; misinterpreting humor can lead to offense or misunderstanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just for laughs" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the purpose or reason for an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it specifies that something is done for amusement rather than serious intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Wiki

10%

Reference

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just for laughs" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something is done for humorous or amusing purposes rather than with serious intent. As Ludwig AI indicated, it's acceptable in written English and widely used. It is primarily found in news and media, with some presence in more informal contexts. Alternative phrases include "for amusement", "as a joke", or "in jest", offering varying degrees of formality. When using "just for laughs", ensure the context aligns with its intended humorous tone to prevent misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a joke

Emphasizes the intent to be humorous or playful.

for fun

Highlights the enjoyable aspect of an activity without necessarily implying humor.

to be funny

Directly states the intention to create humor.

for amusement

Focuses on the enjoyment or entertainment derived from the action.

without serious intent

Explicitly states the absence of any serious purpose or motivation.

in jest

A more formal way of saying "as a joke", often used in writing.

for a lark

Suggests a spontaneous and lighthearted reason for doing something.

as a gag

Implies a prank or playful trick.

for kicks

Indicates doing something for excitement or a thrill.

to lighten the mood

Suggests an attempt to make a situation less serious or tense.

FAQs

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

You can use "just for laughs" to indicate that something was done or said without serious intention. For example, "I wore the silly hat to the party, "just for laughs"".

What's a less common way to say "just for laughs"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in jest", or "for a lark", which offer a more formal or whimsical tone respectively.

Is "just for laughs" appropriate in formal writing?

While "just for laughs" is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider alternatives like "for amusement" or "without serious intent".

What's the difference between "just for fun" and "just for laughs"?

"Just for fun" implies enjoyment or recreation, while "just for laughs" specifically refers to humorous intent. You might play a game "just for fun", but tell a joke "just for laughs".