squalid joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "squalid joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a joke that is considered dirty, unpleasant, or morally repugnant. Example: "His attempt at humor fell flat, as it was nothing more than a squalid joke that left everyone uncomfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

They're a squalid joke".

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The writer, David Ayer, who grew up in South Central, has an easy, authoritative way with the threats, oaths, and squalid jokes of street toughs, the self-pitying complaints of mangy ex-cons.

The New Yorker

Others drop their shoes into the stalls; this joke-rich rallying call for a less squalid Britain had me throwing my metaphorical hat in the air.

The Guardian

His apartment was squalid.

The New Yorker

Today, Lago Agrio feels squalid.

The New Yorker

It's squalid.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Then comes the squalid part.

The New Yorker

The gym became worryingly squalid.

The Economist

(Hitchens uses the term "squalid lynching").

The New Yorker

Joke! Joke!

The Economist

She is a whirlwind of energy and initiative, bouncing through squalid housing projects and sleazy bars, stopping to pull a grimace of earnest concern and then disarming anyone who doubts her with a cheery joke.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "squalid joke" to describe humor that is not only unfunny but also morally questionable or deeply unpleasant. The adjective emphasizes the repulsive nature of the joke, setting it apart from merely bad or tasteless jokes.

Common error

Avoid using "squalid joke" when simply referring to a poorly executed or unfunny joke. Squalid implies a level of repulsiveness beyond mere lack of humor.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "squalid joke" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "squalid" modifies the noun "joke". It describes a specific type of joke characterized by its unpleasant and morally reprehensible nature. Ludwig AI confirms the usability of the phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "squalid joke" is a relatively uncommon but grammatically sound phrase used to describe humor that is not merely unfunny but also deeply offensive and morally repugnant. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is usable, though it carries a strong negative connotation. When something is a "squalid joke", it goes beyond being poorly received, and ventures into being morally questionable. Alternative phrases like "vile jest" or "offensive gag" can provide similar emphasis, but "squalid joke" specifically highlights the morally degraded nature of the humor.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

vile jest

Replaces "squalid" with "vile" to emphasize the morally offensive nature of the joke.

crude humor

Focuses on the lack of refinement and potential offensiveness of the humor.

dirty joke

Highlights the sexually suggestive or otherwise inappropriate content of the joke.

offensive gag

Emphasizes the potential to cause offense or upset with the joke.

distasteful humor

Highlights the unpleasant and often inappropriate nature of the joke.

repulsive joke

Emphasizes the disgust the joke provokes.

corrupting joke

Focuses on the morally damaging nature of the joke.

degenerate humor

Highlights the depraved or immoral quality of the joke.

deplorable joke

Emphasizes the regrettable and unacceptable nature of the joke.

unwholesome jest

Suggests the joke is morally or spiritually unhealthy.

FAQs

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

You might say, "The comedian's routine took a dark turn when he told a "squalid joke" about a sensitive topic, alienating much of the audience."

What's the difference between "squalid joke" and "dirty joke"?

While both describe offensive humor, "dirty joke" typically refers to sexually suggestive content, whereas ""squalid joke"" implies a more general sense of moral repulsiveness or degradation.

What can I say instead of "squalid joke"?

Alternatives include "vile jest", "crude humor", or "offensive gag", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "squalid joke" a common expression?

No, the phrase ""squalid joke"" is not very common. It is used to describe humor that is particularly unpleasant or morally offensive, but more common terms are typically used instead.