Telling a joke in your second language is one of the indicators that you have reached a high level. Here are some words and expressions to help you in this endeavour.
To have a good sense of humour – to find jokes funny.
“Most people believe that they have a good sense of humour (whether it’s true or not.)”
To joke around – to pass the time with friends having a laugh.
‘My son was joking around with his friends and didn’t get any studying done.’
To pull someone’s leg – to make joke to trick someone.
‘We have to work this weekend.’ ‘Seriously!’ ‘No, I’m pulling your leg.’
An alternative to this expression is ‘to be kidding’ with the WhatsApp acronym ‘JK.’
“I’ve just heard that an all-night bar is going to open under your apartment.” “What?!” “JK.’
Fun fact – an introduction to a strange or funny story.
“Fun fact, in her youth my mother was the national under 16s roller skating champion.”
Discover the art of British humour
CHOOSE YOUR PREPOSITION WISELY
Your choice of preposition changes the meaning of ‘to laugh.’
To laugh with someone is positive and means that you are sharing the joke with them. For example:
“I met up with an old friend last night and we laughed with each other about how we were as kids.”
To laugh at someone has a more negative sense and means that someone or something is the object of the joke. For example:
“They laughed at the way he dressed.’
‘To laugh at’ is not always negative, however, as you can also ‘laugh at something on TV.’
EXPRESSIONS FOR WHEN YOU DON’T WANT TO JOKE
Don’t be silly
To be not in the mood
‘Don’t be silly. I am not in the mood for jokes today.’
