sheer joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sheer joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is completely ridiculous or not to be taken seriously. Example: "The idea that we could finish the project in one day was a sheer joke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Students (especially foreign ones who have to spend a lot of money to study abroad) are too clever to be deceived by the sheer joke that is the Turner Prize.M. YAMANASHITokyoPhilistinesSIR There can be no doubt that The Economist has tried to maintain objectivity and accuracy in its Middle East reporting.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Part of the appeal of "Arrested Development" was its lightning-fast pace, and the sheer density of jokes crammed into each zippy installment.

Los Angeles Times

Given the intricacy and sheer volume of jokes in previous seasons, it helped to have a cast of veteran comedians and writers on board.

Vice

But I think the sheer velocity of jokes in a scene that those guys have, and as many things that come as rapid fire, sort of make up for anyone that can say, "Oh, that show is just one thing, or that show is this".

Los Angeles Times

From Otherwise Engaged on, a constant feature of Gray's work is the sheer pleasure in telling jokes.

The Guardian - Opinion

Despite the literal confines of its subject, the play — directed with authority by Ari Edelson and energetically acted — is excessively stocked with characters, conceits, dark jokes, and sheer oddities.

The New Yorker

Within the first 10 minutes of the movie, she is parading around in little more than sheer pantyhose, cracking sex jokes at her husband (Josh Radnor of "How I Met Your Mother") while on the toilet.

The New York Times

Kim Jong-un probably saw The Interview, after all, and his father, a known movie aficionado, is likely to have watched Team America: World Police but whether they are aware of the sheer volume of memes, joke-tweets and spoofs across the internet remains to be seen.

The Guardian

The Spectator's Julie Burchill was unsurprisingly less mild: "The best way to read the Liddle book is as a self-loathing joke, otherwise the sheer level of sumptuous hypocrisy may choke you; this is, after all, a book bewailing modern-day selfishness by the man who left the mother of his children months after their wedding in order to be with his young mistress".

The Guardian - Books

And would this joke then, by sheer elimination, be the funniest line ever uttered in a situation comedy?

Huffington Post

It is sheer joy.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sheer joke" to emphasize that something is so ridiculous it shouldn't be taken seriously. It adds a touch of incredulity or disbelief to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "sheer joke" when you simply mean something is humorous. "Sheer" amplifies the sense of something being utterly absurd and unbelievable, not just mildly amusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sheer joke" functions as a descriptor, combining an adjective ("sheer") to intensify the noun ("joke"). It signifies that something is not merely a joke, but an utterly ridiculous or unbelievable one. Ludwig AI confirms this with examples illustrating its use in contexts where something is deemed absurd.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sheer joke" is a descriptor used to express that something is utterly ridiculous or unbelievable. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English, though its usage is relatively rare. Typically found in news and media contexts, it serves to emphasize the absurdity of a situation, and it can be replaced by alternatives such as "complete absurdity" or "utter nonsense". When using "sheer joke", remember it is best used when highlighting something farcical and unbelievable, rather than just humorous.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

complete absurdity

Replaces 'joke' with a more formal noun emphasizing the ridiculousness.

total farce

Replaces the phrase with a term that suggests a ridiculous and disorganized event or situation.

pure foolishness

Replaces 'joke' with 'foolishness', highlighting the lack of wisdom or sense.

utter nonsense

Substitutes both 'sheer' and 'joke' with terms conveying a stronger sense of meaninglessness.

blatant mockery

Emphasizes the disrespectful and ridiculing nature of the situation.

absolute travesty

Implies a distorted and inferior representation of something that should be taken seriously.

laughable pretense

Highlights the insincerity and ridiculousness of a claim or action.

ridiculous sham

Indicates a deceptive facade that is easily exposed as absurd.

transparent lie

Focuses on the obvious and easily detectable nature of the deception.

obvious deception

Highlights the clear and unmistakable nature of the deceit.

FAQs

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

You can use "sheer joke" to describe a situation or idea that is completely ridiculous. For example, "The suggestion that we could finish the project in a week was a "sheer joke".

What phrases are similar to "sheer joke"?

Alternatives to "sheer joke" include "complete absurdity", "utter nonsense", or "total farce", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "sheer joke" formal or informal?

"Sheer joke" is generally considered informal. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "complete absurdity" or "laughable pretense".

What's the difference between "sheer joke" and "bad joke"?

"Sheer joke" implies something is so ridiculous it's unbelievable or not to be taken seriously, while "bad joke" simply means a joke is unfunny or poorly constructed.