ongoing joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ongoing joke" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a joke that continues to be referenced or enjoyed over time. For example, "The ongoing joke about his cooking skills always brings laughter at family gatherings." Alternative expressions include "running joke" and "long-standing joke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

It was an ongoing joke.

The New York Times

It's an ongoing joke, and one that gets to the nub of their problem.

The Guardian

There's a great scene in the series, as yet unbroadcast in the UK – an ongoing joke about an intense cable drama Alicia occasionally watches.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was an ongoing joke that whenever I had a new flower he'd move it to the right in the middle of the night, and when he was out walking Major Maybe I'd put it back on my side.

The New Yorker

There'll be an ongoing joke at dinner, or on stage he might be going up on the catwalk and, when no one can see, he'll turn round and make a really funny face.

The Guardian - Music

"She's 20, she doesn't need to wear a bra, and her and I have this ongoing joke: Yeah, she's got nipples, big surprise!" THE two women are not in accord, however, about Ms. Lawrence's golden coif (which will be done by Mark Townsend).

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

We have fun ongoing jokes with our crew.

Huffington Post

The ongoing jokes... helped shore up the limited scope of the situation".

Wikipedia

The slap bet: One of the best ongoing jokes in the series began as a bet between Marshall and Barney about a secret from Robin's past (see "Robin Sparkles").

Los Angeles Times

Colbert's parody of a right-wing blowhard may be one of the greatest ongoing jokes in recent television history, but in its own sphere, the modern FEC may be an even bigger one.

Huffington Post

That was the opinion of Billy Childish, in 2000, of the "ongoing national joke" that is the Turner Prize.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ongoing joke", ensure the context clearly establishes that the joke has been repeated or referenced over a period of time. This helps avoid confusion with one-off jokes.

Common error

Avoid using "ongoing joke" to describe a newly created joke or a single humorous incident. The phrase implies a history and repeated occurrence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ongoing joke" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a joke that is continually referenced or repeated.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ongoing joke" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a joke that is repeated or referenced over time. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and general correctness. Analysis of various sources shows its prevalence in News & Media. While it's considered neutral in tone, understanding its implications of duration and repetition is crucial for accurate usage. Alternatives like "running gag" or "recurring joke" offer nuanced variations. Remember that an ""ongoing joke"" requires a history of repetition, distinguishing it from a one-time quip or an inside joke shared within a small group.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

running gag

Focuses on the repetitive nature of the joke.

recurring joke

Emphasizes the repeated appearance of the joke.

standing joke

Highlights the established and well-known nature of the joke.

long-running joke

Stresses the extended duration of the joke.

perpetual joke

Suggests the joke is continuous and seemingly endless.

constant source of amusement

Shifts the focus to the effect the joke has.

never-ending jest

Emphasizes the continuous and playful nature of the joke.

regular source of humor

Indicates a predictable and repeated humorous element.

common humorous reference

Highlights the joke's shared understanding within a group.

well-worn quip

Implies the joke is old and frequently used.

FAQs

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

You can use "ongoing joke" to describe a joke that is repeated or referenced frequently over time, like: "Their differing tastes in music became an "ongoing joke" within the friend group".

What's a similar phrase to "ongoing joke"?

Alternatives include "running gag", "recurring joke", or "standing joke", each with slightly different nuances.

Is "ongoing joke" formal or informal?

"Ongoing joke" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although more formal situations might benefit from alternatives depending on the specific tone required.

What's the difference between "ongoing joke" and "inside joke"?

An "inside joke" is only understood by a specific group, while an "ongoing joke" is a joke that is repeated or referenced over time, and it may or may not be exclusive to a particular group.