lame joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lame joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a joke that is considered unfunny or lacking in wit. Example: "He told a lame joke about a chicken crossing the road, and no one laughed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

But he hit a particularly creepy low when he decided to distort a lame joke lamely delivered by Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts.

The New York Times

She bats away the question with a lame joke: "What?

Independent

Surrounded by his underlings, he makes a lame joke about doing battle with his chancellor.

The Economist

We want your money back for good, Cameron says (making a lame joke).

The Guardian

One was a lame joke about: "Red Ed and his Blue Peter economy".

The Guardian - Opinion

I made a lame joke: "Maybe you could dream about it".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Are they rebelling against the lame jokes and barked commands?

The New York Times

Forget all the lame jokes about Cheetos and Cheech and Chong.

The New York Times

Most lectures begin with introductions, throat-clearings, and lame jokes, but TED prunes all that out".

The New Yorker

He cracks not one but two lame jokes and comes across as a dunderhead.

The Guardian - Music

The closest to criticism that Wallace got was to make a few lame jokes.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lame joke" when you want to convey that a joke is unoriginal, predictable, or simply not funny. It's suitable for informal contexts and can add a touch of humor to your writing.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "lame joke" in formal or professional contexts as it might be perceived as too casual or dismissive. Consider using more nuanced language to critique humor, such as 'ineffective joke' or 'poorly received attempt at humor'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lame joke" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "lame" modifies the noun "joke". It's used to describe a specific type of joke: one that is considered weak, unoriginal, or unfunny. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

14%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lame joke" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe an unfunny or poorly executed joke. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While predominantly found in news and media sources, its register leans towards neutral to informal, making it suitable for a variety of contexts but less appropriate for highly formal settings. When aiming for precision, alternatives like "pathetic joke" or "corny joke" can offer more nuanced evaluations of humor. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase in situations where a more sophisticated critique might be required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Silly joke

Indicates a joke that is foolish and not particularly clever.

Limp joke

Describes a joke that falls flat and lacks impact, using a more evocative image.

Poor joke

Indicates a joke that is of low quality or ineffective.

Pathetic joke

Suggests a joke that is so weak it's almost sad.

Stupid joke

Implies the joke lacks intelligence or wit.

Lousy joke

Indicates a joke that is of poor quality or poorly executed.

Pitiful joke

Similar to 'pathetic joke', emphasizes the weakness and ineffectiveness of the joke.

Boring joke

Highlights the joke's lack of engagement or interest.

Crappy joke

A more vulgar way to say bad or awful joke.

Ridiculous joke

Suggests a joke that is absurd and not meant to be taken seriously, but not necessarily funny.

FAQs

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

You can use "lame joke" to describe an attempt at humor that fails to elicit laughter or is considered unoriginal. For example, "His comeback was just a "lame joke" that no one found amusing".

What are some alternatives to "lame joke"?

Alternatives to "lame joke" include "silly joke", "pathetic joke", or "corny joke" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "lame joke" considered offensive?

"Lame joke" itself is not generally considered offensive, but the appropriateness depends on the context and audience. In a formal setting, it might be perceived as too casual.

What makes a joke a "lame joke"?

A joke is often considered a "lame joke" when it is predictable, unoriginal, or fails to elicit laughter. It might rely on overused tropes or lack a clever punchline.