A 'joke' is a short story or ironic depiction of a situation communicated with
the intent of being humorous. These jokes will normally have a punch line that
will end the sentence to make it humorous. A joke can also be a single phrase or
statement that employs sarcasm. The word joke can also be used as a slang term
for a person or thing which is not taken seriously by others in general or is
known as being a failure. A practical joke or prank differs from a spoken one in
that the major component of the humour is physical rather than verbal (for
example placing salt in the sugar bowl). Jokes are typically for the entertainment of friends and onlookers. The desired
response is generally laughter; when this does not happen the joke is said to
have "fallen flat".
|