thin joke

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin joke" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a joke that is not very funny or lacks substance. Example: "His attempt at humor fell flat; it was just a thin joke that didn't resonate with anyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

That was Jon Vitti's way of criticizing Saturday Night Live for having overlong sketches with thin joke premises.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

To my surprise, having attended with the fear that in-jokes are thin jokes if you haven't been in, this is the most consistently funny show I've seen since One Man, Two Guvnors and, although its audience appeal may inevitably be narrower, Forbidden Broadway deserves an extended presence at the scene of some of the theatrical crimes it so enjoyably satirises.

The Guardian

And in fact, when the English-language version of this play, by Beverley Cross and Francis Evans, first came to Broadway, in 1965, it was called a "thin, tired joke" in The New York Times, and it closed in three weeks.

The New York Times

It was an earnest, defensive speech, thin on jokes and containing just one announcement, a technical one relating to local government finance.

The Guardian

Sign up for tHerbest of VICE, delifered to your isbox daily.

Vice

The show is thin on good jokes, but there's warmth and good cheer in abundance.

The Guardian

There is a thin line between joking, and constant aggravation.

WikiHow

The first time he appears, it's clever; the second time, the joke wears thin.

The New York Times - Arts

When other dancers later pop up from the trap, the joke wears thin.

The New York Times - Arts

I was too thin.' Apart, I joke winsomely, from the Fat Ass, but Ms Banks is in literal mode - 'No, no, this was when I was young.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Now bringing a second album, Brain Thrust Mastery, the goodwill remains, and there's no real sign of the joke wearing thin.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thin joke" to describe a joke that lacks substance or cleverness, often falling flat or failing to amuse the audience. It's suitable when you want to convey that the joke is not well-developed or particularly funny.

Common error

Avoid using "thin joke" as a catch-all criticism for any joke you dislike. Instead, try to pinpoint the specific flaws, such as its predictability, irrelevance, or poor delivery. This provides more constructive feedback and makes your critique more meaningful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin joke" functions as a descriptive term, where the adjective "thin" modifies the noun "joke". It indicates a lack of substance or quality in the joke itself. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thin joke" is a phrase used to describe a joke lacking substance, cleverness, or comedic effect. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and suitable for use in written English. It is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral register. While alternatives like "weak joke" or "lame joke" exist, "thin joke" effectively conveys the idea of a joke that falls flat or fails to amuse. When using this phrase, avoid overgeneralization and consider specifying the precise shortcomings of the joke for a more impactful critique.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

weak joke

Replaces "thin" with "weak" to emphasize the lack of impact or humor in the joke.

lame joke

Uses "lame" to describe a joke that is uninspired and unamusing.

feeble joke

Employs "feeble" to suggest the joke is weak and ineffective.

poor joke

Substitutes "thin" with "poor" indicating the low quality of the joke.

flat joke

Describes the joke as "flat", meaning it failed to elicit a response or amusement.

strained joke

Suggests the joke is forced or unnatural, lacking genuine humor.

tired joke

Indicates the joke is old and overused, losing its comedic effect.

weak attempt at humor

Broadens the description to include the intention behind the joke, highlighting its ineffectiveness.

uninspired joke

Focuses on the lack of creativity or originality in the joke.

half-hearted joke

Implies the joke was delivered without enthusiasm or conviction, resulting in a weak impact.

FAQs

What does "thin joke" mean?

A "thin joke" is a joke that is weak, lacking in substance, or not very funny. It suggests the joke is not well-developed or particularly clever.

What can I say instead of "thin joke"?

You can use alternatives like "weak joke", "lame joke", or "poor joke" depending on the context.

Is "thin joke" a common expression?

While not the most frequently used phrase, "thin joke" is a recognizable and understandable expression in English to describe a joke lacking substance.

How to use "thin joke" in a sentence?

You can say, "The comedian's routine was filled with "tired jokes" and a few "thin jokes"." or "The plot of the movie was just a "thin excuse" for the "jokes"."