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 punchline 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. 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".
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