Humor Me and Sense of Humor

English learners may be confused by two different uses of the word humor in English. This makes the idioms sense of humor and humor me especially confusing. The word humor can be used as a noun and a verb. As a noun, humor means the quality of being funny or comedic, or of appealing to … Read more

Sick Joke

Meaning of Idiom ‘Sick Joke’ A sick joke is a joke or anecdote that is in very bad taste or socially inappropriate; a joke that is morbid or perverted; potty humor (jokes about defecation, flatulence, vomiting, etc.) 1,2 Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? Subscribe to our YouTube channel! Examples Of Use “The president … Read more

Tongue In Cheek

An idiom arising from the earlier part of the 1800’s. Meaning of Tongue in Cheek Tongue in cheek is an idiom referring to the way something is said. It means that someone is joking or speaking in a facetious or ironic manner but seems to be serious.  Want to see more videos from Idioms.Online? … Read more

Take a Joke (be able to)

Meaning of ‘To Be Able to Take a Joke’ To be able to take a joke is to not react negatively when you are teased or to jokes that are about you or against you; to be able to accept others making fun of you with grace and good-humor. Compare to dish it out.  Want … Read more

Keep A Straight Face

To keep a straight face is a figure of speech that has existed in English since the late 1800’s Meaning of Keep a Straight Face To keep a straight face means to stop yourself from laughing and look serious even though you are highly amused, or to keep from smiling. More generally, it means to hide … Read more

Funny Bone

Also: Tickle One’s Funny Bone Meaning of Idiom ‘Funny Bone’ 1. The funny bone, although it is not an actual bone, is a point on the human body where the ulnar nerve in the back of the elbow above the joint runs close to the humerous (upper arm bone) and lacks the protection is has along the … Read more