English is an incredibly rich language, with a vast array of words that can be combined to create funny and creative puns. Puns in English are usually made by playing on the multiple meanings of a word or combining two words that sound the same but mean different things.
Puns are phrases where there is a double meaning. The first part of the phrase can be taken to mean something straightforward and logical, while the second part has an alternate meaning which might be silly or humorous.
Sometimes puns are used for irony, and some may even contain rude or crude connotations. Puns often appear in greeting cards or novelty postcards.
Here are 15 awesome puns and jokes that are sure to give you a giggle! We think 15 is the right amount, because any more than that, and your family will be sick of hearing them!
1. What Happened When 50 Got Hungry? 58.
Meaning (for non-native English speakers): This pun is based on the fact that “fifty ate” sounds like “fifty-eight,” the number.
2. Light travels faster than sound. That’s why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
Meaning: Some people appear to have intelligence until you hear them speak, and then it becomes apparent that they are not as smart as they seem.
3. Man: We should go out for coffee sometime. Woman: Ok, how about 10 tomorrow? Man: No, that’s too many.
Meaning: This pun is based on the fact that “10” can mean both a quantity of something and a time. The man does not want to go out for 10 coffees tomorrow!
4. I would like to have kids one day. But I don’t think I could put up with them any longer than that, though.
Meaning: The speaker would like to have his own kids, but for one day only.
5. I had a few jokes about unemployed people, but none of them work.
Meaning: This pun is based on the fact that “work” can mean both to be employed and to be effective.
6. When I was young, I was very poor. But after years of hard work, I’m no longer young.
Meaning: The speaker was very poor when they were young, but now their age is no longer such an issue. Painful or humorous? Take your pick.
7. Why was six nervous? Because seven eight nine.
Meaning: This pun is based on the fact that “eight” sounds like “ate.” Kids love this one!
8. How do you make holy water? You boil the hell out of it.
Meaning: “The hell out of” is an idiom that means “to a huge or great degree.” However, “hell” in a religious context means a place of punishment after death.
9. I don’t trust trees. They’re shady.
Meaning: This pun is based on the fact that “shady” can mean both suspicious or untrustworthy and covered in shade from trees.
10. Woman: I think we should stop seeing each other for a while. Man: OK, tell me when I can look.
Meaning: The man thinks he needs to stop seeing or looking at the woman, but the woman really means that they need to stop dating altogether.
11. I’m a social vegan. I avoid meet.
Meaning: This pun is based on the fact that “meet” can mean to go to an event or gathering, as well as a type of animal protein. So, this phrase can be taken to mean that the speaker avoids events and gatherings but also that they are vegan and don’t eat meat.
12. Can February march? No, but April May!
Meaning: The months of the year in action! March” is in its verb form, and “may” is used as a modal verb.
13. I was going to tell you a pizza joke, but it’s too cheesy
Meaning: This pun is based on the fact that “cheesy” can mean both overly corny and covered in cheese.
14. What did Spartacus say when the lion ate his wife? Nothing, he was gladiator.
Meaning: This pun is based on the fact that “gladiator” sounds like “glad he ate her.”
15. Becoming a vegetarian is one big missed steak.
Meaning: “Missed steak” sounds like a “mistake” when read quickly!
16. I Used to Hate Facial Hair But Then it Grew on Me
Meaning: If something “grows on you,” it means that you like or appreciate it more now than you did at first.
17. What Do You Call a Bee That Comes From America? USB!
What Do You Call a Bee That Comes From America? USB!
18. What Did The Duck Say to The Bartender?
What did the duck say to the bartender? Put it on my bill!
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Conclusion
English puns and jokes are a great way to have fun and be creative with language. They rely on the fact that words can have multiple meanings and, when used in an amusing way, can create humorous outcomes.
Puns often rely on homophones, words that sound the same but have different spellings and meanings. The examples above demonstrate a few puns that can be used for humor and entertainment.
15 Best Funny Puns To Turn That Frown Upside Down was produced By TPR Teaching.
Whether you’re writing a funny story or just looking for a lighthearted conversation starter, these can be a great way to add a bit of wit and humor. We hope you enjoyed our list!
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and founder of TPR Teaching, crafting inspiring pieces that promote the importance of developing new skills. For 7 years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.