VocabDictionary

dirty joke

/ˈdɜːrti dʒoʊk/beginner Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A humorous anecdote, remark, or story that relies on sexual, scatological, or otherwise taboo subject matter for its comedic effect.

Example Sentences:
  • The comedian was criticized for filling his set with nothing but crude dirty jokes.
  • He whispered a dirty joke to his friend, causing them both to burst into suppressed laughter during the meeting.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “dirty joke”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

The term combines 'dirty' in the sense of 'obscene' or 'indecent' (a usage dating back to the late 17th century) with 'joke,' derived from the Latin 'iocus' (jest or game). The pairing emerged in the 19th century as a euphemism for humor involving sexual or scatological themes that were considered socially inappropriate for polite company.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a joke that is so 'muddy' or 'soiled' with inappropriate content that it needs to be cleaned up before being told in public.

Frequently Asked Questions About “dirty joke

1. What is the meaning of “dirty joke” in English?

In English, dirty joke (noun) is defined as: “A humorous anecdote, remark, or story that relies on sexual, scatological, or otherwise taboo subject matter for its comedic effect.”.

2. How do you use “dirty joke” in a sentence?

The comedian was criticized for filling his set with nothing but crude dirty jokes.

3. What are English synonyms of “dirty joke”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “dirty joke”?

The term combines 'dirty' in the sense of 'obscene' or 'indecent' (a usage dating back to the late 17th century) with 'joke,' derived from the Latin 'iocus' (jest or game). The pairing emerged in the 19th century as a euphemism for humor involving sexual or scatological themes that were considered socially inappropriate for polite company.