Definition and Pronunciation
Dirty joke (pronounced: /ˈdɜːrti dʒoʊk/) is a noun phrase that refers to a joke containing sexual, indecent, or taboo content. Such jokes rely on double meanings, sexual innuendo, or explicit references to sex, body parts, or taboo subjects to create humor.
Easy Explanation
A “dirty joke” is a funny story or comment that includes sexual or inappropriate content. People often tell dirty jokes with friends or in adult settings, but they’re not suitable for children or formal situations.
Grammatical Formation
- Adjective + noun: dirty (adjective) + joke (noun).
- Plural: dirty jokes.
- Related forms: tell a dirty joke, dirty-joke humor.
Word Comparisons
- Dirty joke vs. naughty joke: naughty jokes are milder and playful; dirty jokes are more explicit or sexual.
- Dirty joke vs. dark joke: dirty = sexual/taboo; dark = morbid or about death and tragedy.
- Dirty joke vs. obscene joke: obscene is harsher, often offensive; dirty is cheeky or funny, though still taboo.
Connotations
- Positive: funny, entertaining, playful, adult humor.
- Negative: offensive, vulgar, inappropriate, crude.
- Neutral: adult-only humor, not suitable for every setting.
Meaning with Prepositions
- Joke about: He told a dirty joke about marriage.
- Joke with: They shared dirty jokes with friends.
- Joke in: Dirty jokes in stand-up shows are common.
Real-Life Examples
- The bar was full of laughter after someone told a dirty joke.
- Dirty jokes are often banned on television before late hours.
- She giggled at his dirty joke, even though it embarrassed her.
- Stand-up comedians often use dirty jokes to shock the audience.
Synonyms
risqué joke, bawdy joke, lewd joke, crude joke, vulgar joke, sexual joke, blue joke
Antonyms
clean joke, innocent joke, wholesome humor, polite joke
Related Terms
- Sexual innuendo – indirect sexual hints in jokes.
- Double entendre – a word or phrase with two meanings, one sexual.
- Bawdy humor – coarse, sexual, or indecent comedy.
- NSFW humor – internet slang for adult jokes.
Common Collocations
- tell a dirty joke
- laugh at a dirty joke
- dirty joke in stand-up
- classic dirty joke
- dirty joke competition
Idiomatic and Figurative Usage
- “Blue humor”: another way of describing dirty jokes.
- Off-color joke: a less direct way of saying dirty joke.
Sample Sentences
- He shocked his coworkers by telling a dirty joke in the office.
- Dirty jokes are popular in bars and comedy clubs.
- She blushed at the dirty joke but couldn’t help laughing.
- The comedian’s show was full of dirty jokes and sexual humor.
Connection to Sexuality
Yes, dirty jokes are directly tied to sexuality. They rely on sexual references, innuendo, or taboo subjects to get laughs. While some see them as fun and playful, others may find them offensive or inappropriate, depending on context and audience.
Sexopedia.co is an educational glossary of sexual and gender-related terms—helping you improve your English while deepening your understanding of identity, language, and self-expression.