That joke isn't funny anymore

[cyrano]

Thoughts had while in the shower.
So, one of the inherent parts of the definition of a joke is that it's a humorous statement, something said to provoke amusement.
Therefore, if it's not funny, it cannot be designated a joke. A funny not-funny statement is as non-existent as a vegetarian beefsteak or a glass of ice cold dry water.
Discuss. Remember to show your work. Use both sides of the paper if neccessary.

Comments

[cerulean-me.livejournal.com]

What is funny to you, may not be funny to me. So, a joke can still be a joke despite *my* not finding it funny. ;-)

x|x all not funny statements which cause uncomfortable laughter

[aberrantvirtue.livejournal.com]

Sometimes the humor in a thing is that it isn't funny, but it comes at a time when pressure release is needed, so people laugh, and then the laughter is funny.

Sometimes I'm just high. ;)

Re: x|x all not funny statements which cause uncomfortable laughter

[aberrantvirtue.livejournal.com]

Er, sorry.

Should have been:

{x|x all not funny statements which cause uncomfortable laughter}

Can you tell the math is eating my brains?

[darth-snarky.livejournal.com]

So, the chicken-road joke is merely a riddle, and not a joke?

[rhiannonstone.livejournal.com]

There's definitely a difference between a joke and a riddle, but I don't think joke can quite be defined the way you've defined it. I think a more realistic definition would be something that the teller intends to be funny.

[miss-friday.livejournal.com]

It is very difficult to discuss things using both sides of a paper. Paper, both front and back, in my experience, has very little to say.

All humor is local. Sometimes it doesn't even travel next door. By the time he answers the door, it just isn't funny any more.