Some people can make us laugh no matter what. In the USA, we love funny people who tell jokes, act silly, or say things that make others smile. Whether it’s your class clown, a goofy uncle, or a friend who always has a joke ready, these people make life more fun. Over time, Americans have come up with special phrases to talk about these funny folks. These are called idioms. Idioms are short sayings that don’t always mean what the words say.
In this article, we’ll look at idioms that describe someone who is funny. You’ll learn what they mean, see how to use them in real life, and even find out where some of them came from. These idioms are used every day by people all over the USA, and they can help you understand and speak English better too.
Idioms for Funny Person
1. Class Clown
Meaning: A student who jokes a lot and makes others laugh.
Example Sentence:
– Joey is the class clown. He always makes the teacher laugh.
– Everyone expects the class clown to do something funny.
Other ways to say: Jokester, school comic
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is often used in American schools for the funniest student.
Usage: Used to describe a student who makes jokes in school.
2. Barrel of Laughs
Meaning: Someone who is very funny and entertaining.
Example Sentence:
– Uncle Ray is a barrel of laughs at every party.
– That show was a barrel of laughs from start to finish.
Other ways to say: Hilarious person, laugh machine
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “barrel” shows that there’s a lot of laughter, just like a big container.
Usage: Used when someone or something brings lots of laughs.
3. Funny Bone
Meaning: The sense of humor in a person.
Example Sentence:
– That movie really tickled my funny bone.
– Sarah’s jokes always hit my funny bone.
Other ways to say: Made me laugh, got me cracking up
Fun Fact/Origin: Even though the “funny bone” is a part of the elbow, this idiom is about humor.
Usage: Used to say someone made you laugh.
4. Crack Up
Meaning: To suddenly laugh hard.
Example Sentence:
– I cracked up when he wore a banana suit to school.
– The whole class cracked up at her joke.
Other ways to say: Burst out laughing, lost it
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom became popular in the 1900s in the USA.
Usage: Used when laughter happens fast and loudly.
5. Laugh Riot
Meaning: A person or thing that is very funny.
Example Sentence:
– That comedian is a laugh riot.
– Grandma’s stories are always a laugh riot.
Other ways to say: Super funny, comedy gold
Fun Fact/Origin: “Riot” means wild or crazy, and in this case, it means wild laughter.
Usage: Used when something is very funny.
6. Life of the Party
Meaning: The person who brings the most fun to a gathering.
Example Sentence:
– Jake is the life of the party every time we hang out.
– She was the life of the party with her silly dance moves.
Other ways to say: Center of attention, party starter
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in the USA, especially at school dances or birthday parties.
Usage: Used to describe someone fun and outgoing at events.
7. Cut Up
Meaning: A person who always jokes or acts silly.
Example Sentence:
– Tommy is such a cut up in class.
– My cousin is a real cut up—always pulling pranks.
Other ways to say: Goofball, prankster
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of cutting up a serious moment with laughter.
Usage: Used to describe people who act silly for laughs.
8. Jokester
Meaning: A person who tells jokes often.
Example Sentence:
– He’s the jokester in our family.
– Don’t believe her—she’s a jokester.
Other ways to say: Comic, clown
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in American families and among friends.
Usage: Used to describe someone who enjoys joking around.
9. Wisecracker
Meaning: Someone who makes smart or sassy jokes.
Example Sentence:
– The teacher asked him to stop being a wisecracker.
– She’s always a wisecracker at dinner.
Other ways to say: Smart aleck, snarky joker
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in old American films to describe sarcastic humor.
Usage: Used when someone jokes in a clever or cheeky way.
10. Comedian at Heart
Meaning: A person who naturally likes making others laugh.
Example Sentence:
– Even though he’s shy, he’s a comedian at heart.
– You’re a comedian at heart, even if you don’t try.
Other ways to say: Natural-born joker, funny by nature
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is used to show humor is part of someone’s personality.
Usage: Used to describe a naturally funny person.
11. Born Entertainer
Meaning: Someone who loves to entertain and make others laugh.
Example Sentence:
– My little brother is a born entertainer.
– She’s been a born entertainer since preschool.
Other ways to say: Natural performer, always on stage
Fun Fact/Origin: Commonly used in theater groups or talent shows in the USA.
Usage: Describes a person who loves to make others smile or laugh.
12. Always On
Meaning: A person who is always ready with a joke or act.
Example Sentence:
– He’s always on, even during breakfast.
– You don’t need TV—he’s always on.
Other ways to say: Never stops joking, constant show
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of being “on stage” all the time.
Usage: Describes someone who is constantly performing or joking.
13. Laugh Factory
Meaning: A person who keeps producing funny moments.
Example Sentence:
– She’s a laugh factory—every sentence is a joke.
– Our lunch table is a total laugh factory.
Other ways to say: Joke machine, nonstop laughs
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from “The Laugh Factory,” a famous comedy club in Los Angeles.
Usage: Used to describe someone or something full of laughs.
14. Stand-Up Material
Meaning: Funny enough to be a comedian on stage.
Example Sentence:
– That joke is stand-up material!
– He tells stories that sound like stand-up material.
Other ways to say: Comedy-ready, stage-worthy
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to stand-up comedy, a big part of American humor.
Usage: Used when someone says something very funny.
15. Clown Around
Meaning: To act silly or joke in a playful way.
Example Sentence:
– Stop clowning around and do your homework.
– The kids were clowning around at recess.
Other ways to say: Mess around, goof off
Fun Fact/Origin: Inspired by circus clowns.
Usage: Often used when someone is being silly instead of serious.
16. Cracks Jokes
Meaning: Tells funny things often.
Example Sentence:
– He always cracks jokes during lunch.
– Grandma cracks jokes that make everyone laugh.
Other ways to say: Makes people laugh, tells funnies
Fun Fact/Origin: The word “crack” used to mean “say” in old American slang.
Usage: Used when someone regularly tells jokes.
17. Quick Wit
Meaning: Can think of funny things fast.
Example Sentence:
– Her quick wit makes class more fun.
– You need quick wit to play that game.
Other ways to say: Fast thinker, sharp humor
Fun Fact/Origin: “Wit” comes from old English for smart thinking.
Usage: Used to describe someone who thinks of funny replies quickly.
18. Laugh Your Head Off
Meaning: Laugh really hard.
Example Sentence:
– We laughed our heads off at the movie.
– That joke made me laugh my head off.
Other ways to say: Laugh hard, burst out laughing
Fun Fact/Origin: This is just a silly way of saying something was really funny.
Usage: Used when something is extremely funny.
19. Natural Comic
Meaning: Someone who is funny without trying.
Example Sentence:
– Even her serious stories sound funny—she’s a natural comic.
– He’s a natural comic with perfect timing.
Other ways to say: Born funny, funny without trying
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used for kids who always make people laugh.
Usage: Used when humor seems to come naturally to someone.
20. Lighten the Mood
Meaning: Say or do something funny to make things less serious.
Example Sentence:
– He told a joke to lighten the mood.
– She always lightens the mood during tests.
Other ways to say: Cheer people up, change the vibe
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is common at school or work in the USA.
Usage: Used when someone helps others feel better with humor.
21. Tell a Zinger
Meaning: Say a joke or funny comment that surprises people.
Example Sentence:
– He told a zinger that had us laughing for five minutes.
– Her zingers always get the loudest laughs.
Other ways to say: Funny jab, quick joke
Fun Fact/Origin: “Zing” is a sound word that means fast and sharp.
Usage: Used for clever and surprising jokes.
22. Goofball
Meaning: A person who acts silly in a fun way.
Example Sentence:
– My brother is such a goofball.
– Only a goofball would wear that to school.
Other ways to say: Silly person, clown
Fun Fact/Origin: “Goof” means mistake, but here it means funny silliness.
Usage: Used for playful, silly people.
23. Off the Wall
Meaning: Very unusual and funny.
Example Sentence:
– That movie was so off the wall, we couldn’t stop laughing.
– His ideas are off the wall but hilarious.
Other ways to say: Weird-funny, super silly
Fun Fact/Origin: Used since the 1950s in American slang.
Usage: For strange things that make people laugh.
24. Real Card
Meaning: A very funny or entertaining person.
Example Sentence:
– Grandpa’s a real card—he always has a joke.
– She’s a real card at birthday parties.
Other ways to say: Funny one, joker
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from card games—means someone who stands out.
Usage: Used to describe funny personalities.
25. Ham It Up
Meaning: Act in a silly or exaggerated way to be funny.
Example Sentence:
– He hammed it up during the school play.
– The baby hams it up for the camera.
Other ways to say: Be dramatic, over-act
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from theater where “ham actors” were too dramatic.
Usage: Used when someone acts big to be funny.
26. Steal the Show
Meaning: Be the funniest or most noticeable person.
Example Sentence:
– Her jokes stole the show.
– He stole the show with his silly dance.
Other ways to say: Get all the attention, be the star
Fun Fact/Origin: From acting and stage performances in the USA.
Usage: When someone gets all the laughs.
27. Laugh Like a Hyena
Meaning: Laugh loudly and wildly.
Example Sentence:
– They laughed like hyenas at that joke.
– My little sister laughs like a hyena when she’s excited.
Other ways to say: Loud laugh, crazy giggles
Fun Fact/Origin: Hyenas are wild animals known for loud “laughing” sounds.
Usage: Used for wild or silly laughter.
28. Say Something Offbeat
Meaning: Say something weird but funny.
Example Sentence:
– He always says offbeat things that make us laugh.
– Her offbeat humor makes class better.
Other ways to say: Quirky, odd-funny
Fun Fact/Origin: “Offbeat” means not regular, like jazz rhythms.
Usage: For funny but unusual jokes.
29. Get a Kick Out of It
Meaning: Really enjoy something funny.
Example Sentence:
– I got a kick out of his silly voice.
– You’ll get a kick out of this video.
Other ways to say: Enjoy, laugh at
Fun Fact/Origin: Common American phrase since the 1800s.
Usage: When something brings joy or laughter.
30. Pull a Fast One
Meaning: Trick someone in a funny or sneaky way.
Example Sentence:
– He pulled a fast one with that fake spider.
– Don’t pull a fast one on the teacher!
Other ways to say: Play a trick, joke prank
Fun Fact/Origin: Popular in cartoons and TV shows.
Usage: Often used for light, funny tricks.
31. Have Them Rolling in the Aisles
Meaning: Make everyone laugh a lot.
Example Sentence:
– The comedian had them rolling in the aisles.
– Dad’s story had the whole table rolling in the aisles.
Other ways to say: Got everyone laughing, big laughs
Fun Fact/Origin: Used in theater when audiences laughed so hard they leaned out of their seats.
Usage: When someone is really funny to a big group.
32. Gag Reel
Meaning: A bunch of funny mistakes or moments.
Example Sentence:
– We made a gag reel of our school play.
– The bloopers were funnier than the real show—total gag reel.
Other ways to say: Bloopers, funny clips
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from TV and movies in the USA.
Usage: Used for funny outtakes or mess-ups.
33. Belly Laugh
Meaning: A big, deep laugh.
Example Sentence:
– That joke gave me a belly laugh.
– Grandpa’s jokes always bring out a belly laugh.
Other ways to say: Big laugh, hearty laugh
Fun Fact/Origin: The term is based on laughing so hard your belly moves.
Usage: Used to describe loud, deep laughter.
34. Cheeky Monkey
Meaning: A playful or naughty person who is funny.
Example Sentence:
– Stop being a cheeky monkey and finish your food.
– My little cousin is such a cheeky monkey.
Other ways to say: Silly kid, playful joker
Fun Fact/Origin: Often used in British English but also heard in the USA, especially with kids.
Usage: Light, playful teasing.
35. No Filter
Meaning: Says whatever comes to mind, often funny.
Example Sentence:
– He has no filter, but his jokes are hilarious.
– Grandma says funny things—she’s got no filter.
Other ways to say: Speaks freely, unfiltered jokes
Fun Fact/Origin: Became common with social media.
Usage: Used when someone speaks without thinking, and it’s funny.
36. Cracks Me Up
Meaning: Makes me laugh hard.
Example Sentence:
– That show cracks me up every time.
– She cracks me up with her silly faces.
Other ways to say: Makes me laugh, too funny
Fun Fact/Origin: Common in American slang from the 1970s.
Usage: When something makes you laugh suddenly.
37. Like a Sitcom
Meaning: Funny like a TV comedy.
Example Sentence:
– Our family dinner was like a sitcom.
– School today felt like a sitcom—so many jokes.
Other ways to say: Comedy-like, goofy
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to popular American TV shows like “Friends” or “Full House.”
Usage: Used to describe funny real-life moments.
38. Say the Darndest Things
Meaning: Say funny or surprising things.
Example Sentence:
– Kids say the darndest things.
– That little boy said the darndest thing at lunch.
Other ways to say: Say wild things, funny talk
Fun Fact/Origin: A famous American TV show used this phrase.
Usage: Common when kids say unexpected things.
39. Play the Fool
Meaning: Act silly on purpose to make others laugh.
Example Sentence:
– He played the fool just to make the class laugh.
– She played the fool in the school skit.
Other ways to say: Act goofy, clown around
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from plays where someone was the “fool” or jester.
Usage: Used when someone is being silly on purpose.
40. All Laughs
Meaning: Someone who is always joking.
Example Sentence:
– He’s all laughs at recess.
– That sleepover was all laughs from start to finish.
Other ways to say: Total fun, nothing serious
Fun Fact/Origin: Common among teens and families in the USA.
Usage: Used when things are full of fun and humor.
41. Joke’s on You
Meaning: The person who tried to joke ends up being the joke.
Example Sentence:
– You tried to prank me, but the joke’s on you!
– He slipped on his own banana—joke’s on him!
Other ways to say: Backfired, turned around
Fun Fact/Origin: Used often in pranks or funny fails.
Usage: When a funny trick turns back on the joker.
42. Can’t Keep a Straight Face
Meaning: Laughs too easily.
Example Sentence:
– I couldn’t keep a straight face during the skit.
– He never keeps a straight face when telling jokes.
Other ways to say: Bursts out laughing, cracks up
Fun Fact/Origin: Used during comedy skits or funny games.
Usage: When someone can’t stop laughing.
43. Tongue-in-Cheek
Meaning: Meant to be funny, not serious.
Example Sentence:
– That comment was tongue-in-cheek.
– She gave a tongue-in-cheek answer to be silly.
Other ways to say: Not serious, joking
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to pretending to be serious while joking.
Usage: Used for playful, not-mean jokes.
44. Have a Sense of Humor
Meaning: Able to laugh and enjoy jokes.
Example Sentence:
– You need a sense of humor to hang with us.
– He has a great sense of humor.
Other ways to say: Likes to laugh, loves jokes
Fun Fact/Origin: Very common in American families and friendships.
Usage: Used when someone enjoys being funny or laughing.
45. Comic Relief
Meaning: A funny break during something serious.
Example Sentence:
– He was the comic relief during the serious speech.
– That funny moment was perfect comic relief.
Other ways to say: Humor break, funny moment
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from plays where a funny scene is added to break tension.
Usage: Used to lighten up a serious time.
Quiz: Idioms for Funny Person
Instructions: Choose the correct meaning for each idiom. There is only one correct answer per question.
Question Key
1. What does “class clown” mean?
A) A student who is afraid of clowns
B) A student who makes jokes and makes people laugh
C) A teacher who likes magic tricks
2. If someone is “a barrel of laughs,” what are they like?
A) Always serious
B) Very funny and fun to be around
C) Carrying a barrel
3. What does “crack up” mean?
A) Get angry
B) Fall asleep
C) Start laughing really hard
4. What is a “cut up”?
A) Someone who is always joking and acting silly
B) Someone who likes cooking
C) A student who always studies
5. If a person “clowns around,” what are they doing?
A) Painting
B) Acting silly or playing around
C) Sleeping
6. What does it mean to have a “quick wit”?
A) You are fast at running
B) You tell jokes slowly
C) You can think of funny things quickly
7. What is a “jokester”?
A) A scary monster
B) A person who tells lots of jokes
C) A teacher who gives quizzes
8. If someone “plays the fool,” what are they doing?
A) Pretending to be silly to make people laugh
B) Studying hard
C) Sleeping in class
9. What does “steal the show” mean?
A) Take someone’s backpack
B) Be the funniest or most noticed person
C) Leave the play early
10. What does “goofball” mean?
A) A person who acts silly and funny
B) A person who plays football
C) Someone who likes math
11. If you say someone “has no filter,” what does that mean?
A) They can’t use a camera
B) They don’t think before they say something funny
C) They like clean water
12. What does it mean if you “get a kick out of” something?
A) You got hurt
B) You enjoyed it and laughed
C) You got kicked out
13. What is a “real card”?
A) A piece of paper
B) Someone who is very funny
C) A game player
14. What does “can’t keep a straight face” mean?
A) You keep laughing
B) You look serious
C) You are angry
15. What does “comic relief” mean?
A) A funny break during something serious
B) A funny comic book
C) A person who leaves early
Answer Key
- B – A student who makes jokes and makes people laugh
- B – Very funny and fun to be around
- C – Start laughing really hard
- A – Someone who is always joking and acting silly
- B – Acting silly or playing around
- C – You can think of funny things quickly
- B – A person who tells lots of jokes
- A – Pretending to be silly to make people laugh
- B – Be the funniest or most noticed person
- A – A person who acts silly and funny
- B – They don’t think before they say something funny
- B – You enjoyed it and laughed
- B – Someone who is very funny
- A – You keep laughing
- A – A funny break during something serious
Wrapping Up
Idioms can be a fun way to talk about people who make us laugh. In the USA, funny people are part of everyday life—from school to home to TV. These sayings help us describe the joy they bring.
Learning these idioms can also help you sound more natural in conversation. Whether you call someone a class clown or say they crack you up, you’re using the same fun language that many Americans enjoy every day.
