how to start an essay with a joke

How to Begin an Essay: 13 Engaging Strategies

ThoughtCo / Hugo Lin

• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

An effective introductory paragraph both informs and motivates. It lets readers know what your essay is about and it encourages them to keep reading.

There are countless ways to begin an essay effectively. As a start, here are 13 introductory strategies accompanied by examples from a wide range of professional writers.

State Your Thesis Briefly and Directly

But avoid making your thesis a bald announcement, such as "This essay is about...". 

"It is time, at last, to speak the truth about Thanksgiving, and the truth is this. Thanksgiving is really not such a terrific holiday...." (Michael J. Arlen, "Ode to Thanksgiving." The Camera Age: Essays on Television . Penguin, 1982)

Pose a Question Related to Your Subject

Follow up the question with an answer, or an invitation for your readers to answer the question.

"What is the charm of necklaces? Why would anyone put something extra around their neck and then invest it with special significance? A necklace doesn't afford warmth in cold weather, like a scarf, or protection in combat, like chain mail; it only decorates. We might say, it borrows meaning from what it surrounds and sets off, the head with its supremely important material contents, and the face, that register of the soul. When photographers discuss the way in which a photograph reduces the reality it represents, they mention not only the passage from three dimensions to two, but also the selection of a point de vue that favors the top of the body rather than the bottom, and the front rather than the back. The face is the jewel in the crown of the body, and so we give it a setting." (Emily R. Grosholz, "On Necklaces." Prairie Schooner , Summer 2007)

State an Interesting Fact About Your Subject

" The peregrine falcon was brought back from the brink of extinction by a ban on DDT, but also by a peregrine falcon mating hat invented by an ornithologist at Cornell University. If you cannot buy this, Google it. Female falcons had grown dangerously scarce. A few wistful males nevertheless maintained a sort of sexual loitering ground. The hat was imagined, constructed, and then forthrightly worn by the ornithologist as he patrolled this loitering ground, singing, Chee-up! Chee-up! and bowing like an overpolite Japanese Buddhist trying to tell somebody goodbye...." (David James Duncan, "Cherish This Ecstasy." The Sun , July 2008)

Present Your Thesis as a Recent Discovery or Revelation

"I've finally figured out the difference between neat people and sloppy people. The distinction is, as always, moral. Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people." (Suzanne Britt Jordan, "Neat People vs. Sloppy People." Show and Tell . Morning Owl Press, 1983)

Briefly Describe the Primary Setting of Your Essay

"It was in Burma, a sodden morning of the rains. A sickly light, like yellow tinfoil, was slanting over the high walls into the jail yard. We were waiting outside the condemned cells, a row of sheds fronted with double bars, like small animal cages. Each cell measured about ten feet by ten and was quite bare within except for a plank bed and a pot of drinking water. In some of them brown silent men were squatting at the inner bars, with their blankets draped round them. These were the condemned men, due to be hanged within the next week or two." (George Orwell, "A Hanging," 1931)

Recount an Incident That Dramatizes Your Subject

"One October afternoon three years ago while I was visiting my parents, my mother made a request I dreaded and longed to fulfill. She had just poured me a cup of Earl Grey from her Japanese iron teapot, shaped like a little pumpkin; outside, two cardinals splashed in the birdbath in the weak Connecticut sunlight. Her white hair was gathered at the nape of her neck, and her voice was low. “Please help me get Jeff’s pacemaker turned off,” she said, using my father’s first name. I nodded, and my heart knocked." (Katy Butler, "What Broke My Father's Heart." The New York Times Magazine , June 18, 2010)

Use the Narrative Strategy of Delay

The narrative strategy of delay allows you to put off identifying your subject just long enough to pique your readers' interest without frustrating them. 

"They woof. Though I have photographed them before, I have never heard them speak, for they are mostly silent birds. Lacking a syrinx, the avian equivalent of the human larynx, they are incapable of song. According to field guides the only sounds they make are grunts and hisses, though the Hawk Conservancy in the United Kingdom reports that adults may utter a croaking coo and that young black vultures, when annoyed, emit a kind of immature snarl...." (Lee Zacharias, "Buzzards." Southern Humanities Review , 2007)

Use the Historical Present Tense

An effective method of beginning an essay is to use historical present tense to relate an incident from the past as if it were happening now. 

"Ben and I are sitting side by side in the very back of his mother’s station wagon. We face glowing white headlights of cars following us, our sneakers pressed against the back hatch door. This is our joy—his and mine—to sit turned away from our moms and dads in this place that feels like a secret, as though they are not even in the car with us. They have just taken us out to dinner, and now we are driving home. Years from this evening, I won’t actually be sure that this boy sitting beside me is named Ben. But that doesn’t matter tonight. What I know for certain right now is that I love him, and I need to tell him this fact before we return to our separate houses, next door to each other. We are both five." (Ryan Van Meter, "First." The Gettysburg Review , Winter 2008)

Briefly Describe a Process That Leads Into Your Subject

"I like to take my time when I pronounce someone dead. The bare-minimum requirement is one minute with a stethoscope pressed to someone’s chest, listening for a sound that is not there; with my fingers bearing down on the side of someone’s neck, feeling for an absent pulse; with a flashlight beamed into someone’s fixed and dilated pupils, waiting for the constriction that will not come. If I’m in a hurry, I can do all of these in sixty seconds, but when I have the time, I like to take a minute with each task." (Jane Churchon, "The Dead Book." The Sun , February 2009)

Reveal a Secret or Make a Candid Observation

"I spy on my patients. Ought not a doctor to observe his patients by any means and from any stance, that he might the more fully assemble evidence? So I stand in doorways of hospital rooms and gaze. Oh, it is not all that furtive an act. Those in bed need only look up to discover me. But they never do." ( Richard Selzer , "The Discus Thrower." Confessions of a Knife . Simon & Schuster, 1979)

Open with a Riddle, Joke, or Humorous Quotation

You can use a riddle , joke, or humorous quotation to reveal something about your subject. 

" Q: What did Eve say to Adam on being expelled from the Garden of Eden? A: 'I think we're in a time of transition.' The irony of this joke is not lost as we begin a new century and anxieties about social change seem rife. The implication of this message, covering the first of many periods of transition, is that change is normal; there is, in fact, no era or society in which change is not a permanent feature of the social landscape...." (Betty G. Farrell, Family: The Making of an Idea, an Institution, and a Controversy in American Culture . Westview Press, 1999)

Offer a Contrast Between Past and Present

"As a child, I was made to look out the window of a moving car and appreciate the beautiful scenery, with the result that now I don't care much for nature. I prefer parks, ones with radios going chuckawaka chuckawaka and the delicious whiff of bratwurst and cigarette smoke." (Garrison Keillor, "Walking Down The Canyon." Time , July 31, 2000)

Offer a Contrast Between Image and Reality

A compelling essay can begin with a contrast between a common misconception and the opposing truth. 

"They aren’t what most people think they are. Human eyes, touted as ethereal objects by poets and novelists throughout history, are nothing more than white spheres, somewhat larger than your average marble, covered by a leather-like tissue known as sclera and filled with nature’s facsimile of Jell-O. Your beloved’s eyes may pierce your heart, but in all likelihood they closely resemble the eyes of every other person on the planet. At least I hope they do, for otherwise he or she suffers from severe myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness), or worse...." (John Gamel, "The Elegant Eye." Alaska Quarterly Review , 2009)

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• Hookers vs. Chasers: How Not to Begin an Essay
• How To Write an Essay
• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• How to Write a Good Thesis Statement
• How to Write a Great Essay for the TOEFL or TOEIC
• Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
• Contrast Composition and Rhetoric
• How to Develop and Organize a Classification Essay
• 6 Steps to Writing the Perfect Personal Essay
• A Guide to Using Quotations in Essays
• What Is Expository Writing?

Humorous Writing (A Guide to Adding Humor to Writing)

Want to keep readers coming back? Tickle their funny bone with humorous writing.

Whether it’s a novel, a short story , or a blog post, a dash of humor can be a game-changer. But crafting comedy isn’t one-size-fits-all. From witty one-liners to playful satire, the spectrum of humor is vast. Remember, what has one person in stitches might leave another scratching their head. So, know your audience, and then dive into these techniques to pepper your prose with chuckles.

Various Forms of Humorous Writing

There are several types of humor you can use to make your piece more entertaining and jovial. Sarcasm, wit, irony, and satire are all effective ways to make your readers laugh or at least smile. However, it’s important to use each type of humor at the right moment, so your punchline lands perfectly.

Many often view sarcasm as the lowest form of witticism because it relies on mean-spiritedness and mockery. It can be funny if used in moderation, but too much sarcasm will make your writing seem unprofessional and petty.

Wit is similar to sarcasm, except that it uses intelligence and cleverness instead of condescension and mockery. It employs puns , wordplay, and double meanings to lead the reader down an amusing path.

Irony occurs when what happens contradicts what was expected. This discrepancy between expectation and reality can create some hilarious situations. This is like when a character in your story concocted a scheme that hilariously backfires on him.

Last but not least, we have satire, which makes fun of people or ideas by using exaggeration, ridicule, or parody. When done right, satire pokes holes in some hot arguments and brings attention to societal issues . Controversial politicians and other celebrities are often subjected to satire by comedians.

Use Them Wisely!

All four forms of funny business we discussed can enhance your writing if used carefully. Keep in mind though that overdoing any of these methods may result in wasted time, so choose your chuckles wisely! Try using irony or sarcasm in situations where it would be unexpected but still make sense within the story’s context. Or play around with word choice by making absurd comparisons or substitutions (like referring to a very tall and lanky character as “beanpole”). If done well, humorous writing can enhance your readers’ experience. Just don’t overdo it or force the jokes to the point that it doesn’t appear natural in the piece itself. Often, a little goes a long way!

How to Write Humorously

Humor is a great way to hook readers, and have them coming back for more. Our inherent desire to laugh motivates us to share funny YouTube videos and respond to text messages with iconic smiley faces. Many people choose to get their daily news with a touch of comedy from outlets like “The Daily Show,” “The Colbert Report” or “ The Onion “. This is to show that we would rather laugh than sit and wallow in sadness. Humorous writing is not limited to comic strips, as it also benefits any form of conversational or narrative compositions, such as short stories, articles, books, and essays. By the way, don’t forget to proofread your work for spelling and grammar mistakes.

Elements of Hum or in Writing

Who doesn’t enjoy some dark humor from time to time? Have you noticed that even in movies of the horror genre , filmmakers try to inject a little humor now and then? This is known as comedic relief and it makes movies more enjoyable. But before you start cracking jokes, there are a few elements you should know about using humor in your writing:

One of the most important elements of humor is timing and delivering the punchline at the right moment. Knowing when to deliver a joke is crucial, and if you do it too soon or too late, the effect will be lost.

2. Relevance

Another important element of humor in writing is relevance. Your jokes should be relevant to the topic at hand. Otherwise, they’ll just seem out of place and forced.

3. Comical Value

Finally, make sure that your jokes land. There’s nothing worse than an attempted bit of wit that falls flat. If you keep these elements in mind, you’re well on your way to adding some hilarity to your writing. So go forth and entertain us all. If you want to add humor to your writing, timing is everything! Make sure your jokes are relevant and land – otherwise, you’ll just end up looking like a fool.

Why Incorporate a Bit of Humor Into Your Next Piece?

Humor is a great way to make your writing more interesting and vivacious. It can also help lighten the mood or make a serious subject more relatable. The goal of adding some humor to your writing project is not about becoming the next Woody Allen or David Sedaris (unless that’s your dream). The objective is to improve your writing by using all the tools available to you, including comedy.

1. Brainstorm Ideas with Friends or Fellow Writers

This can help give you a fresh perspective on what might be funny. Experiment with different types of humor until you find one that works well with your voice and style. Brainstorming can help you generate more ideas, reduce writing anxiety, and focus your attention on the most relevant content when writing. This is essential before outlining the major points needed to create well-organized short stories and writing in general.

2. Pay Attention to Timing and Delivery

Jokes that are too long or arrive at the wrong moment will fall flat. Work on perfecting your delivery so that readers laugh when they’re supposed to. Polishing your timing and delivery is crucial for maximizing the impact of your joke. This will help you achieve the desired result, which is to make the readers laugh. Psychologist and bestselling author Dean Buonomano points out in his book Your Brain is a Time Machine that our mind not only tracks the passage of time but can also stretch or compress our sense of that passage in various ways. So why not give humor a try in your next piece? It might just take your writing from good to great.

FAQs on Humorous Writing

1. how do you write a funny poem.

There is no one way to write a funny poem, but you can try these tips:

• Thinking of a topic that will be entertaining to read about.
• Using rhyme and other poetic devices to add levity and interest.
• Keeping the overall tone lighthearted.

Following these guidelines can help you create a poem that will bring smiles (or even laughter) to your readers’ faces.

2. How do you come up with a funny story?

Every funny story is different, but here are a few things to take heed of to help you come up with a hilarious tale.

• Try to think of a situation that would be universally relatable and entertaining.
• Add in some elements of exaggeration or absurdity to make the story even more humorous.
• Don’t forget the punchline! A good joke will leave your audience laughing out loud. So, make sure yours is solid.

If you like to master humorous writing, following these tips and techniques can help get you started. Just remember not to overdo it. A bit of humor goes a long way! And be sure to keep your audience in mind so that you don’t end up offending anyone with your jokes. With a light touch and the right approach, humorous writing can be a great asset to any piece. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on how to start a business plan writing service .

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How to Write a Humor Essay

How to Start an Introduction When Writing an Essay About Poetry

When it comes to telling jokes, it’s often said that it’s all in the delivery. By writing a humor essay, you can get around that one hurdle, but there are others to avoid. A successful humor essay will entertain readers as much as a successful comedian will entertain audiences.

Pick a Topic That is Easily Accessible

It’s hard to laugh about something you don’t understand. The best humor essays are the ones that tackle subjects anyone can relate to. In that way, humor writing brings people together; in addition to laughing out loud, readers might be nodding their heads. Humor essayists say what other people think, but in new and surprising ways.

Keep it Short and Sweet

Shakespeare’s plays often were as funny as they were tragic, and he said it best when he wrote that “Brevity is the soul of wit.” Humor essays don’t necessarily have to be short, but the jokes in them should be. If you keep your writing pithy, you’ll probably keep your readers laughing.

Tell a Story

A humor essay isn’t a long uninterrupted stream of jokes. It’s a narrative, and it should follow a narrative arc, with a beginning, middle and end. While it won’t have the same rigid structure as a formal or academic essay, the reader needs to be able to follow your train of thought. Make sure that paragraphs are organized in a logical way, and that the reader is drawn into the essay from the opening lines and is given a sense of closure at the end.

Contrast Funny With Sad and Mundane

Good cooks know that sweet things taste even sweeter when you add a pinch of salt. Good architects know that straight lines appear even straighter when you add a curve. And good writers know that funny things seem even funnier when you add a dark edge. Not every phrase needs to be a one-liner, so don’t be afraid to allow some lines of a humor essay to be boring or tragic. If they’re placed skillfully, they’ll spark the humor -- not dampen it.

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Living in Canada, Andrew Aarons has been writing professionally since 2003. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from the University of Ottawa, where he served as a writer and editor for the university newspaper. Aarons is also a certified computer-support technician.

How To Write: The Humorous Essay, for College Applications

There are all sorts of different essays that you can write for your college applications. The intellectual essay. The identity story. The tale of the underdog. Cardinal Education is here with a series on the different types of angles you’ll want to take in your writing. We’ll start with one of the most fun to write, yet one of the hardest to truly pull off: the humorous essay.

So, What Makes “Funny” Funny For College Admissions Officers?

There’s no doubt that funny essays can be wildly successful with admissions officers. The college application is all about showing off your personality, and what better way to show your personality off than by demonstrating that you know how to make a joke? Obviously, though, if you want to write a funny essay, it has to be funny. Here are our thoughts on how to achieve that.

Humor is so diverse and complex that there’s really no one way to define it. There’s self-deprecating humor, there’s slapstick humor, there’s wordplay, there’s satire, and more . Many will say that there’s no one formula to make something hilarious and that everyone has to find a way to be funny by themselves. While this is true to some extent, these are a few things that different styles of humor have in common:

Humor relies on the unexpected. This is the first thing that many will tell you in a how-to-be-funny guide: you can get your biggest laughs out of surprise twists and turns. Lead your audience to believe one thing will happen, then crack a joke about how the opposite actually occurred. Tell them how you expected a certain outcome, but something else happened and you couldn’t help but laugh. Or make a list where one of the items is not like the others. For example, things you learned while nature researching up North: the importance of biodiversity, the ability to work on a team, and…never leaving the house without an extra pair of socks. Think beyond simply telling a story to all the surprising things that happened along the way.

Humor is all about setup and delivery. Every punchline has a setup, and you’ll want to structure your narrative to set up for all the remarks you’re going to pepper through your piece. You don’t want to turn the whole thing into a joke after joke because then each one you write has less impact; instead, spend some time narrating the setups to your best punchlines in a way that makes them as—well—punchy as possible. Yet it’s not as though these narrations should be completely unfunny themselves. Think about the tone you’re trying to set, bring it ahead, and then yank the expectations right from under your readers’ feet.

Humor makes witty observations on the commonplace. This is part of the fact that it relies on the unexpected—it finds something new, fresh, and snappy to say about everyday things, from farming to fishing to the embarrassing moments that inevitably make up our lives. Poke some gentle fun at commonplace expectations and situations; stand-up comedians are experts at this. If you’re the type of person who can see something special in the mundane, admissions officers are sure to appreciate it.

Good humor punches up, rather than punching down. What is meant by this is that humor makes fun of those who are in a position of great power in society, rather than people who have relatively little power. You can joke about CEOs—that’s called satire—but not about janitors; that’s called classism. And you certainly can’t make jokes at the expense of students at your school that you don’t like—that’s called bullying. As you craft your essay, make sure to keep this in mind.

The Best Humor for College Essays Has a Point

Now you have a few pointers on how to write funny. You probably also have a few jokes in mind about your experiences. Once you start writing out what you’ve envisioned in your head, you then need to ask yourself: what is the overall point you’re trying to make?

This is the sort of thing that makes a lot of comedy great—it’s ultimately aimed at saying something deeper about society and about the way we do things. It would be good to learn from such comedy about how to tie your humor back to a deeper meaning behind it. Use your sense of humor to expose personal truths about what you’ve learned throughout the story of your journey. Use it to show admissions officers that you’re truly a better person, more ready for adulthood because of what you’ve discovered. If you can leave them in stitches while also leaving them with a profound takeaway, the beautiful picture you’ve created of yourself will be complete.

One Last Word of Advice: Don’t Force It

If you find yourself struggling too hard to write any of this, trying to force out jokes, then maybe the humorous essay is not your style. This essay can be a favorite at the admissions table if done right, but potentially disastrous if it’s not. Perhaps you’re not a natural comedian, and that’s perfectly fine. What matters most is that your essay reflects who you are on the page; maybe in our next installment of the How To series, you’ll find what’s best for you!

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How to write a joke

By BBC Maestro Comedy Last updated: 14 November 2023

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Are you trying your hand at joke writing? Coming up with something funny can feel like an enormous pressure, especially if you’re new to stand-up or comedy writing.

But never fear – like most types of writing, there’s a reassuring amount of structure and technique that goes into writing a joke, which breaks the process down and makes it far less daunting. All you have to do is find an original take on a topic.    In this article, we break down how to write a joke, giving you an insight into what’s beneath the bonnet of a polished comedy routine.  

• What makes a good joke?
• Joke structure

Elements of a joke

• Different types of jokes
• Write a joke in 6 steps

What makes a good joke? 

At its simplest, a good joke should make you laugh, and its humour usually lies in the element of surprise. The content can be anything: observations on everyday life, politics, family, animals. Then, the comedian takes this topic and makes it unexpected. A surprise, twist or subversion is what will bring the laughs, so play around with your theme until you find something unique and unexpected about it.    We’ve all heard the phrase, “It’s the way you tell ‘em!” Yes, the joke lives or dies on its delivery; but in order for it to be greeted with laughs and whoops (or wry smiles, depending on the demographic), it has to be well-written in the first place. The perfect joke is a combination of strong content and excellent delivery.    The performance needs pace and timing, with a punchline that’s delivered with suitable aplomb. If it suits the delivery, you can add elements of physical comedy, too.    While you’re planning and writing new material, always keep one thing in mind – surprise! Your joke needs to be a well-told story that finishes on a surprising plot twist. 

Joke structure 

Most jokes follow the same pattern. Here’s the simplest joke-writing formula: 

It looks so simple when you see it written down like that, doesn’t it? A quick Q&A-style joke won’t even have the middle section.    However, as any joke writer will tell you, having a simple formula doesn’t make it any easier. In the setup, you have to introduce the character(s) and scenario, and if these don’t make sense, neither will the punchline. The punchline itself is the original mic-drop moment. Your audience is stunned by this perfectly delivered plot twist, before bursting into laughter and applause.    So what comes in the middle? With a longer story, you can pepper the joke with smaller sub-jokes, sometimes called bits or jabs. Think of a long routine, like Sir Billy’s famous Wildebeest anecdote. There’s a lot going on here, with plenty of jokes en-route to the main punchline.    It can help if you understand where a joke fits into the typical comedy set. The set is the whole show, and it’s generally made up from a series of routines. These routines consist of a series of related jokes, which have their own punchlines, but are part of a wider routine. A longer joke will even have its own “bits”, as we just mentioned. Comedy may feel anarchic, but it’s actually extremely structured.   

Within this structure, a good joke will feature several narrative elements. It helps when you’re writing jokes to remember that each one is a story – yes, even the humble knock-knock joke is a little narrative. What elements do you need to consider when writing your joke?  

• Character. Who’s the subject of your joke? You (or a version of you)? A politician? Someone you observed in the supermarket? Your cat? Just make sure that your subject is never a victim and that you’re not “punching down” (being superior about someone with less power than yourself. Punching up is regarded as fine: politicians and authority figures are expected to be able to take it).
• Setting. Where does the action take place? (An easy one to answer if you actually are writing a knock-knock joke.)
• Plot. Remember your high school essays: you need a beginning, a middle and an end to your joke.
• Conflict. There needs to be some sort of tension for the story to exist in the first place, and this comedic conflict is what makes the punchline so powerful.
• Resolution. The punchline, which needs to subvert expectations and deliver a surprise.    

Different types of jokes 

Jokes come in all shapes and sizes, from sharp one-liners to wonderfully winding anecdotes. The structure and elements apply to most types of joke. Here are a few different types of joke to think about: what heading does yours fit under? 

• Observational . This is comedy that starts with everyday life, but gives it a unique take. The audience is brought in with something relatable, then the surprise comes when the normal is subverted. Think Eddie Izzard’s cats drilling for oil, or Bill Bailey’s take on shopping at Argos. Jimmy Carr, Jo Brand and Jerry Seinfeld all base their routines around observational jokes, and here’s the much-missed Sean Lock on living alone . 
• Anecdotal . You’re in the hands of an expert raconteur here, like the late, great Dave Allen or our Maestro Sir Billy Connolly. Anecdotal humour can be a great starting place for a rookie writer: as Billy says, writing about yourself can create something that’s “magical”, for both you and your audience, plus you’re less likely to forget it. British anecdotal humour is quite often self-deprecating, too.
• Character. A joke can be based around a character, or written for a character. Some comedians perform as personas, so the routine is written for the character rather than the performer. The lines can get blurred between performer and performance: see characters such as Keith Lemon, Ali G, Alan Partridge and Mrs Merton
• Topical. These jokes are about politics and current affairs, so you really don’t have long to get these written and out there before the joke becomes last week’s news. You’ll most often hear topical jokes on weekly panel shows and in the opening monologues of late night talk shows.
• One liners. These single-sentence jokes can be tricky to get right, because there’s little room for riffing and every word matters. Billy Connolly may be best-known for his long, tangential jokes, but check out his one-liners, too, like:   

There are two seasons in Scotland: June and Winter.

Bonnie Prince Charlie was the only man ever named after three sheepdogs. 

Along with some wise life advice:  

Never trust a man who, when left alone in a room with a tea cosy, doesn’t try it on. 

Write a joke in 6 steps 

Now we know the structure and parts of a joke, it’s time to put one together in 6 easy steps. 

• Research your material  If you know your theme or topic, brainstorm and make notes. Watch your favourite comedians for inspiration (try to evaluate their work critically, as well as enjoying it). You can simply sit outside at a café for a while, observing the ebb and flow of people and noting anything that sparks your imagination. 
• Structure your joke  Begin to build your joke, using the formula, elements and types we’ve looked at. Write the punchline first, then make sure the set-up does its job correctly.
• Add the jab lines and asides  What detail (if any) needs to go into the body of the joke? Do you need a series of mini jokes to keep things lively as you work towards the grand finale?
• Edit your joke  Be harsh. Even a long joke shouldn’t contain unnecessary elements, and you can bet that the classic long monologues from old-school comedians like Ronnie Corbett and Jethro were mercilessly pruned by someone at some point. You need to set the pace, and there’s a difference between the semblance of fireside rambling and simply going on a bit.
• Test and refine your joke  Trying out your shiny new joke in front of friends and family is on a par with your first club gig (well, almost). Take a deep breath and ask your audience to listen then feed back. Take their feedback on board, and use this to keep refining your writing.
• Practice, practice, practice  When you’ve finished using your mates as guinea pigs and you think your joke is “there”, practise it. Make sure you’re happy with your delivery and timing before you set your joke free into the world.  

What if you’re writing a joke for someone else to perform? The same process applies until the end, when ideally, you need to hear them deliver it. You may get the chance to change it to suit their idiom, or they may want to do that themselves. As you’ll learn on his BBC Maestro course, Sir Billy’s 20+ minute-long Last Supper / Crucifixion routine started with a short joke that a friend shared with him.    What’s Billy’s advice for would-be joke writers?    Write down everything that might be a joke. Don’t be fussy. Start by writing about yourself.    Try to keep a comedy journal for a week or so. Jot down anything funny you observe or any puns or phrases that pop into your head. The dog does something amusing? Write it down. Something on the news have the potential for a satirical piece? Again, make a note.    What if you get stuck? Don’t worry – we all get writers’ block sometimes. Talk to a comedian or writer friend, because sometimes just chatting can loosen the flow again. Go for a walk – just get a change of scene and some air. If you need a prompt, pick a topic, any topic. Challenge yourself to come up with at least one funny line about that topic before your next cup of coffee.    Joke written, it’s time to learn how to perform it. Before you take to the stage, read our article on how to tell a joke , because as we know, the writing is only half of the joke’s story. 

Do you want to know more about writing and delivering your own comedy material? Pick up tips from The Big Yin himself in his BBC Maestro comedy course .  

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Home — Blog — Topic Ideas — Funny Persuasive Essay Topics: 110 Writing & Speech Ideas

Funny Persuasive Essay Topics: 110 Writing & Speech Ideas

Laughter really is the best medicine, and when it comes to the art of persuasion, funny persuasive speech topics can help you a lot. Imagine standing in front of an audience or sitting at your desk with an essay tip in hand, and instead of your usual serious and direct approach, you decide to inject a healthy dose of humor into your presentation. Welcome to a world of fun persuasive essay topics where wit meets persuasion to create a delightful and engaging conversation.

Humor has a unique way of capturing people's attention and breaking down barriers, making it an invaluable tool for any writer or speaker looking to convey a compelling message. Whether you're writing academic writing, preparing a public speaking speech, or engaging in a friendly debate, fun, persuasive essay topics can add extra punch to your presentation.

In this article, we share how persuasive speech topics funny can help you by exploring a wide range of funny persuasive essay topics that will tickle your audience to the bone and inspire thought-provoking discussions. These themes not only entertain, but also challenge traditional thinking, prompting critical reflection on various social issues and everyday mysteries.

Use the power of humor and persuasion and create a relaxed environment to inform and inspire your listeners. Whether you're an aspiring writer, an aspiring debater, or just a fun-loving person, this article will help you master the art of smoothly blending humor and persuasion.

So, get ready to embark on a journey of wit and wisdom where laughter meets logic, and learn how to make your readers or audience not only smile, but also nod in agreement. funny persuasive speech topics can be of great help to you and we will try to explore in detail the delightful world of funny persuasive essay topics and become masters of entertaining persuasion!

⭐ 10 Great Topics for a Persuasive Speech

• The Power of Laughter: Why We Should Have a Daily Dose of Comedy
• Embracing the "Messy" Life: Finding Joy in Imperfection
• The Art of Procrastination: How to Turn It into a Productivity Hack
• The Hidden Benefits of Daydreaming: Fueling Creativity and Inspiration
• The Science of Silliness: How Being Goofy Can Boost Mental Health
• The Therapeutic Value of Pet-Induced Happiness: Adopting a Furry Friend
• Unconventional Superheroes: Celebrating Everyday Heroes Among Us
• The Magic of Random Acts of Kindness: Spreading Joy and Positivity
• Emojis as a Universal Language: Decoding Modern Communication
• The Quirky World of Useless Facts: Fun Learning and Brain Gymnastics

Ideas for Finding Impressive Persuasive Essay Topics

Finding impressive persuasive essay topics can be both exciting and challenging. The key is to identify topics that not only pique your interest but also resonate with your audience. Here are some effective strategies to help you discover compelling and attention-grabbing persuasive essay topics:

Explore Your Passions

Start by brainstorming topics that really interest you. Think about issues that you care deeply about or topics that evoke emotion. And perhaps the idea of how to start an essay funny will easily come to you. When you are passionate about a subject, it becomes easier to persuade others effectively.

Stay Informed

Keep yourself updated with current events, social issues, and trending topics. Reading newspapers, magazines, and reputable online sources will expose you to a diverse range of persuasive essay ideas.

Address Controversial Topics

Controversial issues often spark intense debates, making them excellent candidates for persuasive essays. Be sure to research both sides of the argument and present a well-balanced view.

Consider Your Audience

Think about the perspective and interests of your target audience. Understanding their viewpoints will help you choose topics that resonate with them and tailor your arguments effectively.

Look into Local Issues

Exploring problems within your community or region can add a personal touch to your essay. Local topics often strike a chord with readers, making your arguments more impactful.

Brainstorm with Others

Discussing ideas with friends, family, or classmates can generate fresh perspectives and potential topics. Collaborating with others can lead to unique and thought-provoking essay ideas.

Utilize Online Resources

There are numerous websites dedicated to providing persuasive essay topic ideas. Browse through these resources to gain inspiration and find unique angles for your essay.

Examine Ethical Dilemmas

Ethical issues often raise thought-provoking questions. Consider topics that challenge the moral compass and explore potential solutions.

Analyze Past Persuasive Essays: Reviewing successful persuasive essays can give you an idea of popular and impactful topics. However, ensure your essay presents a fresh angle to avoid repetition.

Consider Global Concerns

Addressing global challenges like climate change, poverty, or human rights can showcase your awareness of critical issues and demonstrate your commitment to creating positive change.

Remember to choose a topic that aligns with your expertise and research interests. Impressive persuasive essay topics rely on strong arguments, reliable sources, and compelling evidence. Take the time to delve into your chosen subject, gather relevant information, and craft a persuasive essay that leaves a lasting impact on your readers. With these strategies and a dash of creativity, you'll undoubtedly discover persuasive essay topics that inspire engaging discussions and win hearts.

List of 100 funny persuasive topics for you

Below we offer you a list of 100 funny and persuasive paperwork themes. We propose to divide this list into 5 main sections in which we structure the ideas for your presentation.

Fun and at the same time compelling topics on ecology

• The Comedic Side of Eco-Friendly Living: How to Laugh While Saving the Planet
• Eco-Fun: Hilarious Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
• The Case for Eco-Comedy: Using Humor to Advocate for Environmental Conservation
• Laughter for a Greener World: How Funny Persuasion Can Promote Sustainability
• Eco-Jokes and Conservation: Uniting Humor and Environmental Awareness
• The Funny Side of Recycling: Turning Trash into Laughs and Treasures
• Laughing Our Way to a Cleaner Future: Humorous Strategies for Eco-Consciousness
• The Green Giggle: How Environmentalists Can Embrace Humor in Their Advocacy
• Eco-Friendly Pranks and Jokes: Promoting Environmental Consciousness with Laughter
• LOL for Nature: Spreading Environmental Awareness through Hilarious Persuasion
• Comedy for Conservation: Using Humor to Inspire Eco-Friendly Choices
• Earth-Friendly Funnies: Incorporating Humor in Environmental Education
• Giggles for Green Living: Making Sustainability Fun and Engaging
• The Humorous Side of Wildlife Conservation: Laughing Our Way to Preservation
• Eco-Laughs: Humorously Debunking Environmental Myths and Misconceptions
• Jokes for the Environment: How Humor Can Catalyze Positive Change
• Laughing at Our Eco-Mistakes: Finding Humor in Imperfect Green Living
• Eco-Friendly Comedy Nights: Entertaining and Educating for a Greener World
• LOL for Earth: Humorous Approaches to Raise Environmental Awareness
• Smiles for Sustainability: How Laughter Can Drive Green Initiatives

Options for funny persuasive cultural topics

• Cultural Comedy: Using Humor to Bridge Cultural Differences
• Laughing Across Cultures: How Humor Unites Humanity
• The Power of Cultural Satire: Addressing Stereotypes through Comedy
• Embracing Cultural Quirks: Celebrating Diversity with Laughter
• Funny Traditions Around the World: Exploring the Humorous Side of Culture
• Cultural Comedy Nights: Promoting Cultural Exchange through Humor
• The Hilarity of Language Barrier: Overcoming Misunderstandings with Laughter
• Cultural Comedy in Media: Analyzing Humorous Portrayals of Different Cultures
• Humor as a Cultural Connector: Using Laughter to Foster Understanding
• Cross-Cultural Stand-Up: Uniting Audiences with Diverse Comedy
• The Art of Cultural Parodies: Celebrating and Appreciating Diversity through Satire
• Breaking Cultural Norms with Humor: Redefining Traditions Playfully
• Humorous Cultural Misconceptions: Dispelling Myths and Prejudices
• Comedy and Cross-Cultural Communication: Embracing Humor in Global Interactions
• Funny Travel Tales: Laughing at Cultural Blunders and Experiences
• Humorous Cultural Stereotypes: Addressing Taboos with Comedy
• Laughing with Respect: Using Humor to Honor and Appreciate Cultures
• Cultural Humor in Everyday Life: Finding Joy in Diversity
• Stand-Up for Cultural Awareness: Using Comedy for Positive Change
• Cultural Comedy in the Workplace: Building Inclusive and Happy Teams

💼 Funny persuasive topics about jurisprudence

• The Courtroom Chuckle: Using Humor in Legal Persuasion
• Gavel Giggles: Humorous Approaches to Legal Argumentation
• The Art of Legal Wit: How to Win Over the Jury with Laughter
• Humor in Law School: Surviving the Rigors with a Smile
• Funny Legal Language: Unraveling the Quirky Side of Legalese
• Laughing at the Law: A Comedic Exploration of Legal Cases
• Humorous Legal Precedents: Unusual Rulings and Courtroom Tales
• The Power of Legal Satire: Addressing Legal Issues with Comedy
• Courtroom Comedy: Entertaining While Making a Case
• The Jokes of Justice: Humor in Legal Practice and Advocacy
• Wit and Wisdom in Legal Writing: Injecting Humor into Briefs
• Hilarious Deposition Moments: Finding Laughter in Serious Situations
• Stand-Up for Justice: Using Comedy to Raise Legal Awareness
• The Comedy of Contracts: Unusual and Amusing Legal Agreements
• Lawyers with Laughs: Celebrating Funny Legal Professionals
• Humorous Courtroom Quips: Funny Quotes and Anecdotes from Trials
• Legal Roast and Toast: Honoring Legal Professionals with Humor
• Law and Order Chuckles: How Comedy Can Influence Legal Reforms
• Legal Parodies and Pranks: Exploring the Lighter Side of Jurisprudence
• Hilarity in the Halls of Justice: Using Humor for Effective Legal Communication

Funny and compelling relationship topics for your talk

• The Hilarious Side of Dating: Navigating Awkward Encounters with Humor
• The Comedy of Relationship Quirks: Finding Laughter in Love
• Couple's Comedy Night: Using Humor to Strengthen Relationship Bonds
• Laughing Through Relationship Challenges: How Comedy Can Ease Tensions
• Relationship Roast and Toast: Celebrating Love with Lightheartedness
• Love and Laughter: Embracing Humor in Intimate Relationships
• Funny Relationship Advice: Unconventional Tips for a Happy Partnership
• Stand-Up for Love: Using Comedy to Communicate and Connect in Relationships
• The Art of Relationship Satire: Playfully Addressing Common Couple Issues
• Couples' Comedy Retreat: Building Stronger Bonds with Humorous Activities
• Humorous Love Letters: Adding Fun to Romantic Communication
• Relationship Pranks and Jokes: Fostering Playfulness in Love
• The Joy of Inside Jokes: Creating a World of Laughter in Relationships
• Funny Apologies in Relationships: Making Amends with Humor
• Humor in Long-Distance Relationships: Keeping Love Alive with Laughter
• The Comedy of Marriage: Exploring the Lighter Side of Matrimony
• Relationship Comedy Nights: Entertaining and Educating for a Stronger Connection
• Laughing with Your Partner: The Benefits of Shared Humor in Relationships
• Relationship Spoofs and Parodies: Celebrating Love with Playful Imitations
• Funny Relationship Confessions: Embracing Imperfections in Love

Funny Persuasive Food Themes

• Food Funnies: Using Humor to Spice Up Your Culinary Persuasion
• Laughing at Food Trends: Exploring the Quirky Side of Gastronomy
• The Comedy of Cooking: Finding Humor in Kitchen Mishaps
• Stand-Up for Foodies: Using Comedy to Celebrate Culinary Adventures
• The Hilarity of Food Etiquette: Embracing Table Manners with a Smile
• Food Pranks and Jokes: Playful Culinary Shenanigans
• Humorous Food Critiques: Reviewing Meals with a Dash of Wit
• The Comedy of Food History: Unearthing Funny Culinary Anecdotes
• Funny Food Pairings: Unexpected and Amusing Flavors
• Cooking with Laughter: Incorporating Humor in Culinary Education
• LOL for Foodies: Celebrating the Joy of Eating with Humor
• Food Satire and Spoofs: Exploring the Lighter Side of Culinary Culture
• The Art of Food Puns: Wordplay in the World of Gastronomy
• Food Roast and Toast: Honoring Delicious Dishes with Humor
• The Joy of Food Cartoons: Bringing Culinary Comedy to Life
• Cooking Comedy Night: Entertaining and Educating through Culinary Humor
• Humorous Food Challenges: Laughter in Culinary Competitions
• Foodie Fails and Bloopers: Embracing Kitchen Mishaps with a Smile
• The Funny Side of Food Advertising: Creative and Hilarious Marketing
• Kitchen Stand-Up: Using Comedy to Spice Up Cooking Shows

📒 Tips for Making Your Speech or Writing Funny

Humor is a powerful tool that can captivate an audience and leave a lasting impression. Whether you're delivering a speech or writing an article, injecting humor can add charm and engage your readers or listeners. Here are some valuable tips to help you infuse humor into your speech or writing effectively:

• Know Your Audience: Understand the preferences and feelings of your audience. Adjust your humor to resonate with them and avoid potentially offensive jokes. It is logical that the structure of your report will be different in different situations. If you need to come up with funny persuasive speech topics for college students, then you should choose topics that students are interested in and that will be popular among young people. If you are preparing topics for discussion with research associates, there should be much less humor before.
• Use Personal Anecdotes: Share funny and intimate personal stories that are related to your topic. Authenticity can make your humor more appealing. And then the ideas of how to start an essay funny will come to you quite easily.
• Wordplay and Puns: Incorporate clever wordplay and puns to add a witty touch to your content. Play with language to elicit laughter.
• Timing is Key: Master the art of comedic timing. Pause before delivering the punchline to build anticipation and maximize the impact.
• Embrace Observational Humor: Find humor in everyday situations and observations. This type of humor is relatable and can easily connect with your audience.
• Exaggeration and Hyperbole: Playfully exaggerate situations or characters to create humor. However, ensure it remains within a reasonable and believable context.
• Relieve Tension: Use humor to lighten serious topics or tense moments. It can ease the atmosphere and make your audience more receptive.
• Incorporate Visuals: If possible, use visuals, such as funny images or gifs, to complement your humor and enhance the comedic effect.
• Practice Delivery: Rehearse your speech or read your article out loud to gauge the flow of humor and make necessary adjustments.
• Be Yourself: Embrace your unique sense of humor. Authenticity can make your humor more genuine and endearing.
• Use Callbacks: Reference earlier jokes or anecdotes to create callbacks that bring added humor to your content.
• Avoid Offending: Steer clear of offensive humor or jokes that may alienate your audience. Aim for inclusive and lighthearted humor.
• Research Comedy: Study the work of comedians and writers known for their humor. Analyze their techniques and incorporate them into your style.
• Test the Waters: If you're unsure about a joke's reception, try it out with a small, trusted audience to gauge their reaction.
• Edit and Refine: Polish your speech or article to ensure the humor flows naturally and aligns with your overall message.

By following these tips, you can bring humor to your speech or writing, captivating your audience and leaving them with a smile. Who knows, maybe after that your colleagues will turn to you for advice, asking you how to start writing funny essay examples. Remember that humor is a powerful tool that can make your content more memorable and impactful. So, enjoy the laughter and watch your audience take your message in a whole new way!

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Should You Be Funny In Your College Essay + Examples

What’s Covered:

Why are college essays important, should you be funny in your college essay, tips for adding humor to your college essays, essay examples, how to make sure your humor is effective.

College essays are an important part of your application profile. They humanize you and provide you with the opportunity to prove that you’re an interesting individual beyond your grades and test scores. 

Some ways students humanize themselves include reflecting on their values, clueing readers into their backstory, showing off their personalities, or any combination of these. 

One question that may come up with regards to showing off your personality is: can I be funny in my college essay?

Read along to hear our expert opinion on the subject and tips for writing a funny essay, the right way. You can also check out a few examples of essays that have successfully included humor to give you a good idea of what’s appropriate for your writing.

To put it simply, college essays are needed because top colleges have lots of qualified candidates and, to get accepted, you need to stand out. It is estimated that, at top schools, there are at least four academically-qualified applicants for every open spot. This means that students hoping to gain admission to top schools must supplement outstanding grades with other outstanding qualities.

Ways to make yourself stand out include extracurriculars, recommendations and interviews, and essays. At the nation’s top schools, reports tell us that these non-academic factors are weighted respectively as accounting for 30%, 10%, and 25% of your overall admissions chances. The fact that essays account for 25% of your admissions chances means that they could be your key to acceptance at your dream school.

If you are interested in the specific factors that determine how important essays are for individual candidates at individual schools, check out this post .

Essays are heavily weighted in the admissions process because they are the only place where admissions officers get to hear directly from you. An individual’s voice says a lot about them—how mature they are, how comfortable they are with their experiences, and even how likable they are. These are important factors for admissions officers who are trying to see how you would fit in on their campus!

The gist of our answer: if your personality is funny, feel free to be funny! As we’ve said, an important opportunity provided to you by the college essay is the opportunity to show your personality. Humor, if done correctly, can be an important part of that.

That said, if you are only attempting humor because you think it is what admissions officers want to hear or because you think it will help you stand out, abandon ship and find a way to shape your essay that is true to your personality. Try writing down how you view your personality or ask friends and family for adjectives that describe your personality, then show that personality through your voice. It will be more natural this way!

Some elements of personality that could define your voice, if humor isn’t for you:

• Thoughtful/reflective
• Extroverted/social
• Charismatic
• Clever/witty
• Honest/authentic
• Considerate
• Practical/rational

Additionally, if you cannot follow some basic guidelines (listed below) for how to incorporate humor into your essay, you might want to change your course.

1. Be Appropriate

First things first: be appropriate. Humor is, of course, subjective, but make sure your subject matter would be considered appropriate by absolutely anyone reading it. Think about the most traditional person you know and make sure they would be okay with it. No jokes about sex, drugs, lying, crimes, or anything inappropriate—even if the joke is “obviously” against the inappropriate thing you are mentioning.

2. Don’t Be Overly Informal

You want your essay to position you as mature and intelligent, and the way you control language is a sign of maturity and intellect. That said, lots of humor—particularly the humor of young people and internet humor—are based on informality, intentional grammatical errors, and slang. These types of humor, while arguably funny, should be excluded from college essays!

As you write, remember that you know nothing about your admissions officer. Of course, you do not know their age, race, or gender, but you also don’t know their sense of humor. The last thing you want to do is make a joke with an intentional grammatical error and be perceived as unintelligent or make a joke with slang that confuses your reader and makes them think you don’t have a firm grasp of the English language.

3. Avoid Appearing Disrespectful or Inconsiderate

Humor often involves making fun of someone or something. It is very important that you do not make fun of the wrong things! In the last example, the student made fun of themself and their failed cooking experience. That is totally acceptable.

Things that you should not make fun of:

• Other people (particularly those in positions of authority)
• Political ideas
• Religious ideas
• Anything involving ethics, morals, or values

When you make fun of others, you risk sounding cold or unsympathetic. Admissions officers want to admit candidates who are mature and understand that they can never understand the struggles of others. That means you shouldn’t make a cutting joke about your old boss or an unintelligent politician who was running for your city mayor, even if they are the villain in your anecdote.

Similarly, avoid jokes about types of people. Avoid stereotypes in your jokes. 

In general, it is hard to write a humorous essay about a controversial subject. Controversial issues are typically issues that require deep thought and conversation, so if you intend to engage with them, you should consider a more reflective approach, or consider integrating reflection with your humor.

Here is an example of a student successfully poking fun at themself with their humor, while alluding to controversy:

My teenage rebellion started at age twelve. Though not yet technically a teenager, I dedicated myself to the cause: I wore tee shirts with bands on them that made my parents cringe, shopped exclusively at stores with eyebrow-pierced employees, and met every comforting idea the world offered me with hostility. Darkness was in my soul! Happiness was a construct meant for sheep! Optimism was for fools! My cynicism was a product of a world that gave birth to the War in Afghanistan around the same time it gave birth to me, that shot and killed my peers in school, that irreversibly melted ice caps and polluted oceans and destroyed forests. 

I was angry. I fought with my parents, my peers, and strangers. It was me versus the world. 

However, there’s a fundamental flaw in perpetual antagonism: it’s exhausting. My personal relationships suffered as my cynicism turned friends and family into bad guys in my eyes. As I kept up the fight, I found myself always tired, emotionally and physically. The tipping point came one morning standing at the bathroom sink before school.

This student engages with controversial subject matter, but the humorous parts are the parts where she makes fun of herself and her beliefs— “ Darkness was in my soul! Happiness was a construct meant for sheep! Optimism was for fools!” Additionally, the student follows up their humor with reflection: “ However, there’s a fundamental flaw in perpetual antagonism: it’s exhausting. My personal relationships suffered as my cynicism turned friends and family into bad guys in my eyes.”

This student is both funny and mature, witty and reflective, and, above all, a good writer with firm control of language.

4. Don’t Force It

We have already mentioned not to force humor, but we are mentioning it again because it is very important! 

Here is an example of a student whose forced humor detracts from the point of their essay:

To say I have always remained in my comfort zone is an understatement. Did I always order chicken fingers and fries at a restaurant? Yup! Sounds like me. Did I always create a color-coded itinerary just for a day trip? Guilty as charged. Did I always carry a first-aid kit at all times? Of course! I would make even an ambulance look unprepared. And yet here I was, choosing 1,000 miles of misery from Las Vegas to Seattle despite every bone in my body telling me not to.

The sunlight blinded my eyes and a wave of nausea swept over me. Was it too late to say I forgot my calculator? It was only ten minutes in, and I was certain that the trip was going to be a disaster. I simply hoped that our pre-drive prayer was not stuck in God’s voicemail box. 

As this student attempts to characterize themself as stuck in their ways (to eventually describe how they overcame this desire for comfort), their humor feels gimmicky. They describe their preparedness in a way that comes off as inauthentic. It’s funny to imagine them carrying around a first aid kit everywhere they go, but does the reader believe it? Then, when they write “ Was it too late to say I forgot my calculator? ” they create an image of themself as that goofy, overprepared kit in a sitcom. Sitcom characters don’t feel real and the point of a college essay is to make yourself seem like a real person to admissions officers. Don’t sacrifice your essay to humor.

5. Make Sure Your Humor Is Clear

Humor is subjective, so run your essay by people—lots and lots of people—to see if they are confused, offended, or distracted. Ask people to read your essay for content and see if they mention the humor (positively or negatively), but also specifically ask people what they think about the humor. Peer feedback is always important but becomes particularly useful when attempting a humorous essay.

Essay Example #1

Prompt: Tell us an interesting or amusing story about yourself from your high school years. (350 words)

Cooking is one of those activities at which people are either extremely talented or completely inept. Personally, I’ve found that I fall right in the middle, with neither prodigal nor abhorrent talents. After all, it’s just following instructions, right? Unfortunately, one disastrous night in my kitchen has me questioning that logic.

The task was simple enough: cook a turkey stir fry. In theory, it’s an extremely simple dish. However, almost immediately, things went awry. While I was cutting onions, I absentmindedly rubbed at my eyes and smeared my mascara. (Keep this in mind; it’ll come into play later.) I then proceeded to add the raw turkey to the vegetable pot. Now, as any good chef knows, this means that either the vegetables will burn or the turkey will be raw. I am admittedly not a good chef.

After a taste test, I decided to take a page out of the Spice Girls’ book and “spice up my life”, adding some red chili paste. This was my fatal mistake. The bottle spilled everywhere. Pot, counter, floor, I mean everywhere . While trying to clean up the mess, my hands ended up covered in sauce.

Foolishly, I decided to taste my ruined meal anyway. My tongue felt like it was on fire and I sprinted to the bathroom to rinse my mouth. I looked in the mirror and, noticing the raccoon eyes formed by my mascara, grabbed a tissue. What I had neglected to realize was that chili paste had transferred to the tissue—the tissue which I was using to wipe my eyes. I don’t know if you’ve ever put chili paste anywhere near your eyes, but here’s a word of advice: don’t. Seriously, don’t .

I fumbled blindly for the sink handle, mouth still on fire, eyes burning, presumably looking like a character out of a Tim Burton film. After I rinsed my face, I sat down and stared at my bowl of still-too-spicy and probably-somewhat-raw stir fry, wondering what ancient god had decided to take their anger out on me that night, and hoping I would never incur their wrath ever again.

What the Essay Did Well

This essay is an excellent example of how to successfully execute humor. The student’s informal tone helps to bridge the gap between them and the reader, making us feel like we are sitting across the table from them and laughing along. Speaking directly to the reader in sentences like, “ Keep this in mind; it’ll come into play later, ” and “ I don’t know if you’ve ever put chili paste anywhere near your eyes, but here’s a word of advice: don’t. Seriously, don’t,”  is a great tactic to downplay the formality of the essay.

The student’s humor comes through phrases like “ Now, as any good chef knows, this means that either the vegetables will burn or the turkey will be raw. I am admittedly not a good chef.” As this student plays on the common structure of “As any good (insert profession here) knows,” then subverts expectations, they make an easy-to-understand, casual but not flippant joke.

Similarly, the sentence “ I decided to take a page out of the Spice Girls’ book ,” reads in a light-hearted, funny tone. And, importantly, even if a reader had no idea who the Spice Girls were, they would recognize this as a pop-culture joke and would not be confused or lost in any way. The phrase “ raccoon eyes”  is another humorous inclusion—even if the reader doesn’t know what it’s like to rub their eyes while wearing mascara they can picture the rings around a raccoon and imagine the spectacle.

As you can see from this essay, humor works well when you engage universal and inoffensive concepts in ways that are casual enough to be funny, but still comprehensible.

Essay Example #2

Prompt: Due to a series of clerical errors, there is exactly one typo (an extra letter, a removed letter, or an altered letter) in the name of every department at the University of Chicago. Oops! Describe your new intended major. Why are you interested in it and what courses or areas of focus within it might you want to explore? Potential options include Commuter Science, Bromance Languages and Literatures, Pundamentals: Issues and Texts, Ant History… a full list of unmodified majors ready for your editor’s eye is available here. —Inspired by Josh Kaufman, AB’18

When I shared the video of me eating fried insects in Thailand, my friends were seriously offended. Some stopped talking to me, while the rest thought I had lost my mind and recommended me the names of a few psychologists. 

A major in Gastrophysics at UChicago is not for the faint hearted. You have to have a stomach for it! I do hope I am accepted to it as it is the only University in the U.S. with this unique major. My passion for trying unique food such as fish eye has made me want to understand the complexities of how it affects our digestive system. I understand that Gastrophysics started with a big pang of food, which quickly expanded to famish. Bite years are used to measure the amount of food ingested. I look forward to asking, “How many bite years can the stomach hold?” and “How do different enzymes react with the farticles?” 

Gastrophysics truly unravels the physics of food. At UChicago I will understand the intricacies of what time to eat, how to eat and how food will be digested. Do we need to take antiparticle acid if we feel acidity is becoming a matter of concern? At what angle should the mouth be, for the best possible tasting experience? When I tried crocodile meat, I found that at a 0 degree tilt, it tasted like fish and chicken at the same time. But the same tasted more like fish at a negative angle and like chicken at a positive angle. I want to unravel these mysteries in a class by Professor Daniel Holz in gravitational gastrophysics, understanding the unseen strong and weak forces at play which attract food to our stomachs. 

I find that Gastrophysics is also important for fastronomy. I want to learn the physics of fasting. How should we fast? Hubble bubble is a good chewing gum; an appetite suppressant in case you feel pangs of hunger. I have read how the UChicago Fastronauts are stepping up to test uncharted territories. Intermittent fasting is a new method being researched, and UChicago offers the opportunity for furthering this research. Which is better: fasting for 16 hours and eating for 8, or fasting for 24 hours twice a week? It is just one of the problems that UChicago offers a chance to solve. 

I can also study the new branch it offers that uses farticle physics. It is the science of tracking farticles and how they interact with each other and chemicals in the stomach space. It could give rise to supernovae explosions, turning people into gas giants. It would also teach about the best ways to expel gas and clean the system and prevent stomach space expansion. 

I want to take Fluid dynamics 101, another important course in Gastrophysics; teaching about the importance of water and other fluids in the body, and the most important question: what happens if you try to drink superfluids? 

I hope to do interdisciplinary courses with observational gastrophysicists and work with environmental science majors to track how much methane is given by the human and animal gastrointestinal tract in the atmosphere and how much it contributes to the global climate change. I believe, with the help of courses in date science, they have been able to keep a track of how much methane is entering each day, and they found that during Dec 24-Jan 3 period, a spike in the methane and ethane levels could be seen. Accordingly, algorithms are being programmed to predict the changes all year round. I would love to use my strong mathematical background to explore these algorithms. 

These courses are specially designed by the distinguished faculty of UChicago. Doing interdisciplinary research in collaboration with biological science students to determine what aliens may eat, with fart historians to know more about the intestinal structure of medieval Italians, Japanese, Chinese, Swedish and French people to better their lives is what I look forward to. The Paris study abroad program is an immersion course into fastronomy, where I will have the opportunity to test my self-control with all the amazing French food and desserts around! 

My stomach rumbles now, so I am going out to try out new food – hopefully it will be in Chicago a few months later. 

This is a fun essay! This student’s voice is present and their goofy personality is especially evident. Not only did they change the name of their major, but this student incorporated word play throughout the essay to showcase their imagination. Phrases like “ the big pang of food ”, “ bite years ”, “ fastronauts ”, and “ farticle physics ” keep the tone lighthearted and amusing.

Incorporating this style of humor takes a lot of creativity to be able to still convey your main idea while also earning a chuckle from your readers. While some jokes are a bit more low-brow—” farticles ” or “ fart historians ” for example—they are balanced out by some that are more clever and require a bit of thinking to get the A-ha moment (referencing the Hubble telescope as “ Hubble bubble chewing gum “). You might not feel comfortable including less sophisticated jokes in your essay at all, but if you do want to go down that path, having more intellectual sources of humor is important to provide balance.

Another positive of the essay is the continued thread of humor throughout. Sometimes humor is used as a tool in the introduction and abandoned in favor of practical information about the student. This essay manages to tell us about the student and their interests without sacrificing the laugh factor. Weaving humor throughout the essay like this makes the humor feel more genuine and helps us better understand this student’s personality.  

Essay Example #3

Prompt:   Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more? (650 words)

Scalding hot water cascades over me, crashing to the ground in a familiar, soothing rhythm. Steam rises to the ceiling as dried sweat and soap suds swirl down the drain. The water hisses as it hits my skin, far above the safe temperature for a shower. The pressure is perfect on my tired muscles, easing the aches and bruises from a rough bout of sparring and the tension from a long, stressful day. The noise from my overactive mind dies away, fading into music, lyrics floating through my head. Black streaks stripe the inside of my left arm, remnants of the penned reminders of homework, money owed and forms due. 

It lacks the same dynamism and controlled intensity of sparring on the mat at taekwondo or the warm tenderness of a tight hug from my father, but it’s still a cocoon of safety as the water washes away the day’s burdens. As long as the hot water is running, the rest of the world ceases to exist, shrinking to me, myself and I. The shower curtain closes me off from the hectic world spinning around me. 

Much like the baths of Blanche DuBois, my hot showers are a means of cleansing and purifying (though I’m mostly just ridding myself of the germs from children at work sneezing on me). In the midst of a hot shower, there is no impending exam to study for, no newspaper deadline to meet, no paycheck to deposit. It is simply complete and utter peace, a safe haven. The steam clears my mind even as it clouds my mirror. 

Creativity thrives in the tub, breathing life into tales of dragons and warrior princesses that evolve only in my head, never making their way to paper but appeasing the childlike dreamer and wannabe author in me all the same. That one calculus problem that has seemed unsolvable since second period clicks into place as I realize the obvious solution. The perfect concluding sentence to my literary analysis essay writes itself (causing me to abruptly end my shower in a mad dash to the computer before I forget it entirely).  

Ever since I was old enough to start taking showers unaided, I began hogging all the hot water in the house, a source of great frustration to my parents. Many of my early showers were rudely cut short by an unholy banging on the bathroom door and an order to “stop wasting water and come eat dinner before it gets cold.” After a decade of trudging up the stairs every evening to put an end to my water-wasting, my parents finally gave in, leaving me to my (expensive) showers. I imagine someday, when paying the water bill is in my hands, my showers will be shorter, but today is not that day (nor, hopefully, will the next four years be that day). 

Showers are better than any ibuprofen, the perfect panacea for life’s daily ailments. Headaches magically disappear as long as the water runs, though they typically return in full force afterward. The runny nose and itchy eyes courtesy of summertime allergies recede. Showers alleviate even the stomachache from a guacamole-induced lack of self-control. 

Honestly though, the best part about a hot shower is neither its medicinal abilities nor its blissful temporary isolation or even the heavenly warmth seeped deep into my bones. The best part is that these little moments of pure, uninhibited contentedness are a daily occurrence. No matter how stressful the day, showers ensure I always have something to look forward to. They are small moments, true, but important nonetheless, because it is the little things in life that matter; the big moments are too rare, too fleeting to make anyone truly happy. Wherever I am in the world, whatever fate chooses to throw at me, I know I can always find my peace at the end of the day behind the shower curtain.

While the humor in this essay isn’t as direct as the others, the subtle inclusion of little phrases in parentheses throughout the essay bring some comedy without feeling overbearing. 

The contrast of elegant and posh Blanche DuBois and “ germs from children at work sneezing on me ” paints an ironic picture that you can’t help but laugh at. The ability to describe universal experiences also brings a level of humor to the essay. For example, the reader might laugh at the line, “ abruptly end my shower in a mad dash to the computer before I forget it entirely,”  because it brings to mind moments when they have done the same.

This student also achieves a humorous tone by poking fun at themselves. Admitting that they were “ hogging all the hot water, ” leading to “ (expensive) showers, ” as well as describing their stomachache as a “ guacamole-induced lack of self-control, ” keeps the tone casual and easy-going. Everybody has their flaws, and in this case long showers and guacamole are the downfall of this student.

While the tips and tricks we’ve given you will be extremely helpful when writing, it’s often not that simple. Feedback is ultimately any writer’s best source of improvement—especially when it comes to an element like humor which, naturally, can be hit-or-miss! 

To get your college essay edited for free, use our Peer Review Essay Tool . With this tool, other students can tell you if your humor is effective/appropriate and help you improve your essay so that you can have the best chances of admission to your dream schools.

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Essay Jokes

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This joke may contain profanity. 🤔

My teacher said "Nathan! Turn in your essay!"

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Laughing Through Lines: 100+ Hilarious Essay Jokes

Introduction:.

Writing essays can often feel like a daunting task, but adding a touch of humor to the process can make it much more enjoyable.

In this collection of essay jokes, we’ve compiled a series of pun-tastic one-liners that will not only give you a good chuckle but also remind you that even the most serious tasks can be met with a smile.

Read More: jokes on peace

Elevating Essays Through the Power of Laughter:

• Why did the essay go to therapy? It had too many unresolved issues.
• What’s an essay’s favorite type of music? Heavy paragraphs!
• Why did the student bring a ladder to the library? To get to the high points of the essay.
• How do you organize an astronomy essay? In a “space”-ful order.
• Why did the computer get an award? It had the best “byte-sized” essay.
• Why was the essay cold? It had too many drafts.
• Why did the essay break up with the conclusion? It felt too final.
• What did one essay say to the other? “I think we’re on the same page.”
• Why was the grammar essay so confident? It had a lot of “periods” in its life.
• What did the detective say to the suspect essay? “You’re under a very well-constructed paragraph.”
• Why did the essay apply for a job? It wanted to support its arguments.
• Why did the tomato turn red while writing an essay? It saw the salad dressing.
• What do you call a haunted essay? A ghost-writer.
• Why did the essay wear glasses? To “see” through the text better.
• Why was the essay good at baseball? It had strong points.
• Why did the outline break up with the essay? It couldn’t handle the commitment.
• Why did the essay enroll in dance class? It wanted to work on its “flow.”
• What’s an essay’s favorite exercise? Running paragraphs.
• Why did the essay get an “A”? It aced the content.
• Why did the bibliophile write an essay? To share his “book”-ish knowledge.
• Why was the math essay stressed? Too many problems.
• Why did the essay go to the doctor? It had a bad case of “word” flu.
• What’s an essay’s favorite time of day? The “conclusion” of it.
• Why was the essay never lonely? It had plenty of supporting evidence.
• What’s a computer’s favorite type of essay? One with lots of “clickbait.”
• Why did the essay break the internet? It had too many “hits.”
• Why was the essay a great dancer? It had perfect “footnotes.”
• What did the essay say to the pen? “You complete me.”
• Why did the essay get in trouble? It had too many “arguments.”
• What’s an essay’s favorite dessert? A well-structured “pie”ce.
• Why did the essay visit the art gallery? It wanted to brush up on its “strokes” of genius.

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Essays Crafted with a Dash of Jollity:

• How did the essay know it was in trouble? Its margins were shrinking.
• Why was the essay good at gardening? It knew how to cultivate ideas.
• What did the essay do at the gym? It worked on its “body” paragraphs.
• Why did the essay refuse to play hide and seek? It could never find a good “conclusion.”
• What’s an essay’s favorite movie genre? Suspense – it loves building tension!
• Why did the essay feel embarrassed? It had a “comma” sense of shame.
• What did one essay say to the other during an argument? “Let’s not lose our paragraphs.”
• Why did the student bring a ladder to English class? To reach the lofty expectations of the essay.
• Why did the essay apply for a visa? It wanted to explore different “sentences.”
• Why was the essay always polite? It had impeccable “grammar.”
• What’s an essay’s favorite social activity? Going to “sentences” parties.
• Why did the essay go on a diet? It had too many “fillers.”
• What did the essay do when it was cold? It grabbed a “blanket” statement.
• Why did the essay bring a flashlight to the library? To shed light on the topic.
• Why was the essay a great swimmer? It had strong “current” arguments.
• What did the essay say to the procrastinator? “You’re treading on thin paper.”
• Why did the essay bring a map to the writing session? It wanted to navigate its ideas.
• What did the essay say at the end of the day? “I think I’ve made my point.”
• Why did the essay become a chef? It wanted to “season” its arguments just right.
• Why did the essay sit near the computer? It wanted to catch some “screenshots.”
• What’s an essay’s favorite game? Connect the “ideas.”
• Why was the essay a great public speaker? It had excellent “delivery.”
• Why did the essay go to the bank? It wanted to check its “sentences.”
• What did the essay say to the dictionary? “You’re my thesaurus-t friend!”
• Why was the essay invited to the party? It had a reputation for being “engaging.”
• Why did the essay blush? It found itself between two “covers.”
• What’s an essay’s favorite weather? “Punny” days!
• Why was the essay always at the top of the class? It had a “high” level of intelligence.
• What did the essay say to the research paper? “Let’s join forces and cite some sources!”
• Why did the essay get in trouble at the zoo? It couldn’t stop “paw”-graphing its ideas.
• What did the essay do during the earthquake? It added a little “tremor” to its thesis.
• Why was the essay an excellent detective? It always found the “clues” to a compelling argument.
• Why did the essay have a great poker face? It could “bluff” its way through any topic.
• What’s an essay’s favorite mode of transportation? The “senten-cab” – it gets you where you need to go!
• Why did the essay get a promotion? It had outstanding “paragraph-formance.”
• What’s an essay’s favorite fruit? Puns – they’re both juicy and delightful!
• Why was the essay so popular at parties? It knew how to “hook” the audience.
• What did the essay do when it got locked out? It looked for the “key” point.
• Why did the essay get a standing ovation? It had impeccable “stance” on the topic.
• What did the essay do when it was hungry? It devoured the “bite-sized” arguments.
• Why did the essay apply for a job at the bakery? It wanted to knead its ideas into shape.
• Why was the essay great at telling jokes? It had a strong sense of “pun”manship.
• What’s an essay’s favorite game show? “Wheel of Arguments” – where the points spin!

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Wit and Wisdom in Essay Jokes:

• Why did the essay become an astronaut? It wanted to explore the “cosmic” depths of knowledge.
• What did the essay say during a job interview? “I’m here to make a strong ‘impression.'”
• Why did the essay start a garden? It wanted to cultivate its “thesis seedlings.”
• Why was the essay a fantastic dancer? It had smooth “transitions” between paragraphs.
• What’s an essay’s favorite type of coffee? “Espresso” – it gets the ideas flowing fast!
• Why did the essay go to the beach? It wanted to “shore up” its arguments.
• Why was the essay the life of the party? It always knew how to “compose” itself.
• What did the essay say to the joke book? “You’re my ‘witty’ reference!”
• Why did the essay take up archery? It wanted to hit the “bull’s-eye” conclusion.
• What’s an essay’s favorite accessory? “Quotation marks” – they add style and substance!
• Why did the essay become a gardener? It knew how to plant “seeds” of knowledge.
• Why was the essay so confident? It had a strong “thesis” of self-assurance.
• What did the essay say when it made a typo? “My bad, that was a ‘write’ of passage!”
• Why did the essay bring a ladder to the party? To reach the “climax” of the conversation.
• Why was the essay a great painter? It knew how to “color” its arguments convincingly.
• What’s an essay’s favorite dessert? A “compelling” argument layered with evidence!
• Why was the essay always calm during storms? It had a strong “thesis” of inner peace.
• Why did the essay become a musician? It loved playing with “notes” and rhythms.
• What’s an essay’s favorite dance move? The “conclusion” spin!
• Why did the essay become a judge? It had a knack for delivering “sentences.”
• Why did the essay become a detective? It excelled at finding “clues” in the text.
• What’s an essay’s favorite board game? “Argument”-opoly – where ideas are currency!
• Why did the essay throw a party? It wanted to celebrate a well-“structured” argument.
• Why did the essay always carry a map? It never wanted to get “lost” in its thoughts.
• What’s an essay’s favorite type of comedy? “Wit”-ty humor, of course!
• Why did the essay apply for a job at the bakery? It wanted to “rise” to the occasion.
• Why did the essay go to the art class? It wanted to learn how to “draw” in readers.
• Why did the essay become a tour guide? It loved leading readers on a “journey” of ideas.
• What’s an essay’s favorite game at the amusement park? The “rollercoaster” of arguments!
• Why did the essay go to the spa? It needed to “relax” its tension-filled sentences.
• Why did the essay join the comedy club? It wanted to sharpen its “punch”lines.
• Why was the essay a great dancer? It had perfect “syntax” on the dance floor.
• What’s an essay’s favorite app? The “i-dea” generator, of course!
• Why did the essay become a gardener? It knew how to “cultivate” a blooming argument.
• Why did the essay apply for a job as a chef? It loved adding flavorful “spices” to its content.
• What’s an essay’s favorite winter activity? “Essay”-lting snowballs of creativity!

jokes about august

jokes about pencils

Conclusion:

In the world of academia, where essays often carry the weight of knowledge and analysis, injecting a little humor can go a long way in lightening the load. We hope these essay jokes brought a smile to your face and reminded you that even the most serious tasks can benefit from a touch of laughter.

So the next time you find yourself staring at a blank page, remember these pun-tastic one-liners and let them spark your creativity.

Are these essay jokes suitable for all ages?

Absolutely! These jokes are family-friendly and can be enjoyed by essay enthusiasts of all ages.

Can I use these essay jokes to impress my English teacher?

Certainly! Teachers appreciate creativity and a good sense of humor. Sprinkle these jokes in your assignments to add a dash of fun.

What’s the best way to incorporate these jokes into my essays?

While a little humor can be refreshing, remember to strike a balance. Use jokes sparingly and ensure they align with the overall tone and topic of your essay.

How do I avoid overusing jokes in my writing?

Just like seasoning in cooking, moderation is key. Use humor strategically, focusing on enhancing your content rather than overpowering it.

Can I share these jokes on social media?

Of course! Spread the laughter with your friends and followers. Everyone could use a good chuckle, especially in the midst of essay-writing woe

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My husband and I combined our last names when we got married — it started as a joke, but then it just made sense

• Marcy Donnelly and Chris Buerger, 50 and 52, combined their last names when they wed in 2000.
• The couple applied to the courts after deciding to call themselves Mr. and Mrs. Donnager.
• Their kids are happy with the hybrid name and described the change as "cool."

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Marcy Donnager. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I met my husband, Chris, when we both worked at SeaWorld in San Diego . I had a permanent position in the education department, and he was part-time.

We got talking at the beginning of 1996 when we were supervising a sleepover for scouts in the shark exhibit. We had to stay awake all night and just clicked.

Nevertheless, we only started dating at the end of the year after Chris left SeaWorld and moved to San Francisco to start a career in financial services.

We began a long-distance relationship. We were at least a two-hour drive apart, so we mostly saw each other on the weekends.

Then, in 1998, we split the difference and shared a home in Orange County. We got engaged at Christmas.

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The idea of combining our last names came to us on a trip to Las Vegas . We said how fake everything was in the city. We met people our age who said they were venture capitalists and had flown in by private jet.

It started as a joke, then we realized it made sense

None of it seemed real, so we made up names for ourselves. I was Sasha, and Chris was Chip. But our adopted names didn't suit our last names, Donnelly and Buerger.

"We're going to introduce ourselves as Chip and Sasha Donnager," we laughed. Buergdonn sounded too weird. We ended up telling tall tales all night with other people who were telling tall tales.

It started as a joke. Then, we realized it made sense to take a syllable from each of our last names and create a new one. I was traditional in other ways, but I didn't want to be known as Mrs. Buerger for the rest of my life. I consider myself a feminist, but that didn't play into it at all.

We told our parents. They didn't think it was a good idea. They were concerned that it was some sort of fad and that we would regret it later. They didn't care about our choice of name but thought the whole thing was strange.

"Nobody else does this," they said.

Our wedding took place on May 6, 2000. We didn't want to freak out our parents, so when we were declared husband and wife , the person who married us called us "Chris and Marcy" — without a last name.

Then, once we had our marriage certificate, we used it in the court proceeding to legally change our names to Donnager. If anybody objected, we had to place a $40 ad in the local newspaper — a so-called "fictitious name statement."

Our name change is a non-issue for us now

After paying the $80 fee and completing many forms, we appeared in front of a judge in court. It was a group hearing with a bunch of other people changing their names. But we were the only ones who were doing it because of marriage.

Afterward, we had to line up at the Social Security office to get new Social Security numbers . We went to the DMV and some banks with our name change decree. The employees were shocked and asked ridiculous questions about things that were none of their business.

People have asked about our name change over the years, but it's a non-issue for us now. "When you get married, you combine everything — your home, your finances, and eventually your genes," we say. "Why wouldn't you combine your last names?"

Our sons, Aidan, 20, and Austin, 17, love the decision. They think what we did was cool. I remember Austin being in kindergarten and having a little crush on a girl whose last name was Green.

"Mom, if we get married, we're going to be the Greenagers," he said.

Do you have an interesting story about your name to share with Business Insider? Please send details to [email protected] .

Watch: The House floor showdown between Lauren Boebert and Marjorie Taylor Greene is just the tip of the iceberg

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Steve Albini, iconoclastic rock musician and engineer, dies at 61

Lars Gotrich

Steve Albini in his Electrical Audio studios in Chicago in 2023. John Semley/WXPN hide caption

Steve Albini in his Electrical Audio studios in Chicago in 2023.

Steve Albini, renowned for decades as a distinctive musician and recording engineer, died Tuesday night of a heart attack. Staff at his Chicago recording studio, Electrical Audio, confirmed news of his death with NPR. Albini was 61 years old.

As a performer, he fronted Shellac and Big Black, two indie-rock bands that pushed punk and noise past absurd and abrasive limits. Albini famously did not like to be called a "producer," but he worked on — by his own estimate — "a couple thousand" records as a recording engineer, including classics like the Pixies ' Surfer Rosa , Nirvana 's In Utero and PJ Harvey 's Rid of Me .

Born July 22, 1962, in Pasadena, Calif., Albini's family moved around often before settling in Missoula, Mont. As a teenager, he was introduced to punk rock. "I was baffled and thrilled by music like the Ramones , the Sex Pistols , Pere Ubu , Devo and all those contemporaneous, inspirational punk bands without wanting to try to mimic them," he told The Quietus in 2017.

After playing in many early bands, Albini initially started Big Black in 1981 while still a student at Northwestern University, where he was studying for a degree in journalism, eventually adding guitarist Santiago Durango and bassist Jeff Pezzati, both of Chicago punk band Naked Raygun. On records like Atomizer and Songs About F****** , Big Black would realize Albini's imitable sound: a terse and treble-heavy clang of guitars throttled by grotesque bass lines, with darkly funny and threatening lyrics screamed. The band's drum machine, which gave Big Black's austere punk an industrial sheen, was always credited as "Roland."

"One of the things that got me first was just the guitar playing," Annie Clark told NPR in 2011 . Her band St. Vincent covered Big Black for a celebration of Michael Azerrad's book Our Band Could Be Your Life . "It's just this lacerating noise, this thing that kind of expresses, for lack of a better word, all of your suburban angst and rage. It's kind of physically painful in a really wonderful way."

By 1987, when Big Black was breaking up, Albini had already spent years recording "my friends and then my friend's friends, and then friends of my friend's friends," as he told Free Press Houston in 2018. "It was a very small circle of people that I was making myself useful to as a peer, a part of the punk scene." So it wasn't until the Pixies' Surfer Rosa , released in early 1988, that Albini began to work outside his bubble, yet he continued to build a clientele that skewed underground: Urge Overkill , Tar, The Jesus Lizard and Pussy Galore, to name a few.

Albini's recording techniques themselves might not have been revolutionary, but his commitment to them could feel like it was. Grounded in that punk ethos, he favored a natural room sound — the feel, the echoes, the ambience of a studio all captured by careful and often inventive mic placement. He knew the limits and expectations of equipment, but would experiment to achieve the unexpected. Mclusky 's Andy Falkous, who recorded a pair of albums at Electrical Audio in the early 2000s, put it more plainly: "The great thing about him, and it sounds ridiculous, is the drums sound like drums, bass sounds like bass, guitar sounds like guitar." Digital recording was verboten — there are too many ways to over-correct and manipulate a performance. To him, only analog tape gave superior sound quality and dynamic range to a recording. Albini gave you the sound of an artist unfiltered.

That unfiltered quality was exactly what Kurt Cobain was after. He deemed the sound of Nirvana's Nevermind , an international phenomenon, as too commercial. "I'm embarrassed by it now," Cobain said. "It's closer to a Mötley Crüe record than it is a punk rock record." So when Cobain reached out to the person listed in the credits of his favorite Pixies album, Albini responded with a four-page letter in late 1992. "I'm only interested in working on records that legitimately reflect the band's own perception of their music and existence," he wrote to the band. "If you will commit yourselves to that as a tenet of the recording methodology, then I will bust my ass for you."

After he recorded Nirvana's In Utero , his profile changed, but even as rock stars like Bush , Jimmy Page and Robert Plant courted studio time, Albini always picked up the phone whenever an artist wanted to book a session at Electrical Audio, which he founded in 1997. "I try very hard not to say no," he told World Cafe in 2023. "There is an extremely small list of circumstances that would cause me to decline a session. There are some people that are just extraordinary creeps that I don't want to work with and there's some art I don't want to participate in." Albini also never accepted royalties for working on an album, which he spelled out brilliantly and brutishly in a 1993 essay titled " The Problem with Music ."

In the midst of an already busy studio career, Albini started Shellac in 1992 with fellow recording engineer Bob Weston (bass) and Todd Trainer (drums). All three members contributed vocals and continued the caustic aesthetics of Big Black, but with an elevated sense of rhythm and song structure. Albums like At Action Park (1994) and 1000 Hurts (2000) were meticulously minimalist, rife with riffs that were taut, tangled and tattered, yet never gave in to chaos; instead, Shellac dared you to listen ... and maybe even laugh. The band's sixth studio album, To All Trains , is set to be released on May 17.

Between Big Black and Shellac, Albini formed the short-lived Rapeman. The shocking name was the point. For much of his career onstage and off, Albini was an uncompromising, opinionated and antagonistic figure. His jokes — however tongue-in-cheek — could be misogynistic, homophobic and racist. His most provocative lyrics demonstrated discomfiting and extreme power dynamics in sex. Given the era of punk he grew up in, a particular vein that prized provocation as a means to peel back the most grueling nature of humankind, perhaps this all tracks. But an internal interrogation was overdue.

In the last decade or so, Albini would be quick to call out problematic behavior online. And, increasingly, he'd turn the mirror on himself. He detailed initial intentions for some of his more controversial songs in a revealing interview , originally published in 2016, with Evelyn Morris. "It is imperative for an artist to be honest, to respect the creative impulse, wherever that may go," he said. "Anything less is just decoration or inconsequential humming. Sometimes the resulting art is repugnant, but I believe the world is better for it, that it is made richer by having those thoughts explored."

But he wouldn't let himself off the hook for any harm he might have created or perpetuated. In a beautiful and vulnerable profile in The Guardian , he reflected on the ugliness of past sins: "I can't defend any of it," he said. "It was all coming from a privileged position of someone who would never have to suffer any of the hatred that's embodied in any of that language." Albini didn't want to be excused from any role he played; he wanted to own up to his faults, and to tell anyone who respected him — or used to — why he was wrong.

Interveiew: Legendary audio engineer Steve Albini built his Chicago studio brick by brick

In a way, how Albini conducted himself in the studio, onstage and online correlates with his evolution as a person — a philosophy that could be pragmatic as well as principled. "I still see my role as being a service one," he told World Cafe in 2023. "Like, I'm providing a service to people who want to make records." And, yet, that utility had significant value to a wide swath of artists, particularly starting in the 2000s working with Low , Screaming Females , Danielson Famile , Magnolia Electric Co. , Nina Nastasia , Zao , Laura Jane Grace and The Breeders . With Albini, these musicians found a sound that was as brutally honest as the man who helped them shepherd it into being: stark, stunning and, in his brightest moments, unusually beautiful.

Correction May 9, 2024

An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that Steve Albini was interviewed by Evelyn Morris in 2023. The interview was conducted in 2016.