small joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a light-hearted or minor joke that is not meant to be taken seriously. Example: "He made a small joke about the weather to lighten the mood during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

"O.K., it's a small joke.

The New York Times - Arts

With his small joke, the tension eased.

The New Yorker

Mr. Gates also made a small joke.

The New York Times

It was a small joke from the new Argentine pope.

The New York Times

That small joke defused nothing, made nothing almost sensible.

The New Yorker

When he spoke, it was usually to repeat a remark or to make a small joke.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The verse offers plenty of chances for small jokes and even some stunning surprises, as the year when I realized that the last name of the Kentucky Derby winner, Easy Goer, was an anagram for Al Gore's last name, allowing me to put them both in the same line.

The New Yorker

By Hendrik Hertzberg May 7, 2009 My most recent Comment was a series of small jokes riffing on a big joke, namely a moronic suggestion by the governor of Texas that his state might secede from the Union on account of the tyranny of slightly higher marginal tax rates for the rich.

The New Yorker

The next few hours went by in a blur of wagging jaws. Louis de Bernières got big laughs from small jokes and affected a voice not unlike Rabbi Lionel Blue to represent a female character, while AS Byatt, Tessa Hadley and Adam Thirwell later played who-knows-the-most-about-Henry-James in a discussion of literary heroines.

The Guardian - Books

A few officers bantered with the prisoners, sharing small jokes.

Los Angeles Times

"People in different places sometimes make small jokes about each other.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "small joke" to introduce a light-hearted comment aimed at easing tension or creating a brief moment of amusement in a conversation or narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "small joke" to describe humor that is actually offensive or insensitive. The term implies harmlessness, so ensure the joke aligns with this intention.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small joke" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "small" modifies the noun "joke". Ludwig examples show it describing a brief, often lighthearted attempt at humor.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "small joke" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a minor or lighthearted attempt at humor. According to Ludwig, its function is to characterize a joke as insignificant, often used to ease tension. The phrase is generally neutral in register, appearing frequently in news and media. While perfectly acceptable, consider alternatives like "light jest" or "mild gag" depending on the desired nuance. When using the phrase, ensure the humor aligns with its intended harmlessness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Little jest

Direct synonym, emphasizing the joke's insignificant impact.

Slight joke

Direct synonym, indicating the joke is not substantial.

Light jest

Emphasizes the playful and non-serious nature of the joke.

Insignificant joke

Emphasizes the lack of importance or impact of the joke.

Mild gag

Highlights the gentle and inoffensive quality of the joke.

Brief jest

Highlights the shortness and simplicity of the joke.

Quick quip

Focuses on the brevity and cleverness of the humorous remark.

Tiny quip

Focuses on both the brevity and the witty nature, but in a minimal way.

Minor wisecrack

Implies a witty but not particularly profound remark.

Petty jest

Suggests the joke is insignificant and possibly trivial.

FAQs

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

You can use "small joke" to describe a brief, lighthearted remark intended to create a moment of amusement, like "He made a small joke about the weather to lighten the mood".

What can I say instead of "small joke"?

Alternatives to "small joke" include "light jest", "mild gag", or "quick quip", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "small joke" in formal writing?

While "small joke" is generally acceptable, in formal writing, consider more precise alternatives like "brief jest" or "slight joke" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "small joke" and "big joke"?

"Small joke" implies a brief, lighthearted remark, while a "big joke" suggests a more elaborate or significant humorous story or situation.