sharp joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sharp joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a joke that is clever, witty, or cutting in nature, often with a hint of sarcasm or irony. Example: "His sharp joke about the situation caught everyone off guard and made them laugh."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On "Breathe In, Breathe Out," from his 2004 debut album, "The College Dropout," he distilled the essential struggle that has defined his career into one sharp joke: "Always said if I rapped, I'd say something significant/But now I'm rapping about money, ho's and rims again".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

He also appears to have benefited from his experience writing sketches for "Saturday Night Live," including the beautifully sharp jokes for Bill Hader's popular character Stefon.

The New York Times - Arts

The popular tweeters Rob Delaney and Kelly Oxford, whose sharp jokes earned Ms. Oxford a contract for a book to be published next month, developed their reputations online.

The New York Times - Arts

There was a lot of chat about guilty gaming routines and rituals, some sharp jokes about Tetris and human rights, and a bizarre segue into the reproductive system of chickens.

The Guardian - Tech

On May 14 at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, NY, the comedian - arguably best known for his work as a Saturday Night Live writer and creator of its infamous "Stefon" character - made it all look effortless on stage with his infectious stage presence, subtly sharp jokes, and ease throughout the night.

Huffington Post

There are sharp jokes on every page, luridly bad sex, and a passel of outrageous conceits a secret wonderland in tunnels beneath Cincinnati, an airplane custom painted with the original cover art for Vonnegut's Cat's Cradle, a basement orgy but unlike in [her also excellent first novel, Last Last Chance], here the darkness is inexorable, and will not be denied".

Vice

Writing a sharper joke is not nearly as important as getting that waitress to wear a Wonder Bra.

Huffington Post

Were it to transfer, it could use some sharper jokes at the start and a more focused plot.

The New York Times

There's a spectacular scene of Ali addressing a group of students in a school auditorium and explaining why he no longer calls himself "the greatest" (he gently walks back some of his sharpest jokes).

The New Yorker

The material is sharp, the jokes are as tight as ever.

The New Yorker

Amid the sharp, caustic jokes that follow, the line comes to feel like a challenge, and a promise.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sharp joke" to describe humor that is not only funny but also insightful or critical. It suggests a level of intelligence or wit beyond mere silliness.

Common error

Avoid using "sharp joke" when you simply mean a funny joke. "Sharp" implies a certain level of intellect or critique, so it's not appropriate for all types of humor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sharp joke" functions as an adjective-noun compound, where 'sharp' modifies 'joke'. It describes a specific quality of the joke, indicating its wit or incisiveness. Ludwig AI highlights the correct grammatical usage of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sharp joke" effectively describes a joke characterized by its cleverness, insight, and potential critical edge. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and used appropriately in various contexts, most notably in news and media. While not overly common, it adds a layer of sophistication to discussions about humor, emphasizing the intellectual or incisive nature of the joke. When aiming to describe a joke that goes beyond simple amusement, "sharp joke" provides a concise and impactful way to convey its deeper qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

witty joke

Replaces "sharp" with "witty", emphasizing the cleverness of the joke.

clever joke

Replaces "sharp" with "clever", highlighting the intelligence behind the joke.

incisive joke

Replaces "sharp" with "incisive", emphasizing the penetrating quality of the joke.

biting joke

Replaces "sharp" with "biting", focusing on the potentially critical or sarcastic nature of the joke.

caustic joke

Replaces "sharp" with "caustic", suggesting a more corrosive or stinging quality to the joke.

pungent joke

Replaces "sharp" with "pungent", which can refer to a strong, sharp taste or smell, but figuratively, to a keenly felt or expressed comment.

trenchant joke

Replaces "sharp" with "trenchant", emphasizing the keenness and effectiveness of the joke.

cutting joke

Replaces "sharp" with "cutting", focusing on the hurtful or critical nature of the joke.

acerbic joke

Replaces "sharp" with "acerbic", suggesting a bitter or sour quality in the joke.

pointed joke

Replaces "sharp" with "pointed", emphasizing the directness and relevance of the joke to a particular target or issue.

FAQs

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

You can use "sharp joke" to describe a joke that is clever and insightful, like, "The comedian delivered a "sharp joke" about current politics."

What's a good synonym for "sharp joke"?

Alternatives to "sharp joke" include "witty joke", "clever joke", or "incisive joke", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use the term "sharp joke"?

No, "sharp joke" is best used when the joke is not only funny but also has a critical or insightful edge. If the joke is purely silly or lighthearted, another term might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between a "sharp joke" and a "sarcastic joke"?

While both can be cutting, a "sharp joke" is characterized by its intelligence and insight, while a sarcastic joke relies on irony and often aims to mock or ridicule.