An anti-joke is a type of joke that has an unexpected irony or reversal of expectation. They often contain dark humor and can be seen as playfully cynical. The humor of an anti-joke lies in its ability to surprise the listener and hence create humor out of an unexpected twist.
The term ‘anti-joke’ was first coined in 1996 by Phil Kaye, a stand-up comedian and storyteller, and since then has become a popular style of humor.
Why is an Anti-Joke Funny?
The humor of an anti-joke is derived from its unexpected, ironic twist. The expectation is usually set for the listener to be on the receiving end of a punchline, when in reality, the joke is not at all what was expected. The irony of the situation is what makes this style of humor funny for many people.
The Benefits of Telling Anti-Jokes
There are many benefits to telling anti-jokes. Not only are they humorous and easy to remember, they often apply universally and can be told in any context or situation. This makes them a great go-to type of joke when you need something to break the ice or lighten the mood.
They also provide a low pressure way of entering a conversation, as they often don’t require a response or any sort of call to action. This makes them more suitable for relaxed scenarios such as a roundtable discussion, a family get together, or simply just as a way of starting a conversation with someone new.
Best Anti-Jokes That Are So Bad They’re Good
If you’re looking for some of the best anti-jokes that are so bad they’re good, you’ve come to the right place. Here are some of the funniest and most memorable anti-jokes out there:
I went to the zoo the other day. It was so empty, there was practically nobody there.
Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.
What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef.
What do you call a bear without any teeth? A gummy bear.
Why don’t skeletons ever go out on the town? Because they don’t have any body to go with.
Why did the scarecrow win the Nobel Prize? Because he was outstanding in his field.
Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide.
Why did the computer squeak? It had a mouse.
What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.
What did the fish say when it hit the wall? Damn it, I missed the turn
What did the mountain climber name his son? Cliff.
Why did the onion cry? Because it saw the salad dressing.
Why did the jelly bean go to school? Because it wanted to be a smartie.
How does a mathematician know when he’s going to get married? He looks at her equations and figures it out.
What did the zero say to the eight? Nice belt.
What did the judge say when the skunk walked in? Odor in the court.
Why don’t sheep shrink when it rains? Because they’re full of ewes.
Two fish are in a tank. One turns to the other and says “how do you drive this thing?”
Anti-jokes can provide a great source of humor and entertainment. They allow listeners to experience the unexpected and thus create humor out of irony. Although they are often considered so bad they’re good, they can also be clever, witty, and extremely funny. So, whether you’re looking for a way to lighten the mood or a way to start a conversation, anti-jokes are a great low pressure go-to.
