Term for people who don't joke at all
Joker is the term that describes people who joke. Are there any terms to describe the opposite of joker?
word-choice antonyms
asked Dec 20 '11 at 0:55
Larry Morries
879142741
|
show 3 more comments
Joker is the term that describes people who joke. Are there any terms to describe the opposite of joker?
word-choice antonyms
asked Dec 20 '11 at 0:55
Larry Morries
879142741
2
Someone who never makes jokes or laughs could be called deadpan
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:16
1
A nerd........?
– Terry Li
Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
1
@Terry LiYifeng: I doubt that. In my understanding, nerds are often quite giggly (perhaps because they're often socially awkward).
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:29
1
You could always go with "Finn".
– user11550
Dec 20 '11 at 6:03
4
@FumbleFingers: deadpan's not quite right, there are many, many comedians and comedy actors whose delivery of jokes is deadpan.
– Hugo
Dec 20 '11 at 6:59
|
show 3 more comments
Joker is the term that describes people who joke. Are there any terms to describe the opposite of joker?
word-choice antonyms
asked Dec 20 '11 at 0:55
Larry Morries
879142741
Joker is the term that describes people who joke. Are there any terms to describe the opposite of joker?
word-choice antonyms
word-choice antonyms
asked Dec 20 '11 at 0:55
Larry Morries
879142741
asked Dec 20 '11 at 0:55
Larry Morries
879142741
edited Dec 20 '11 at 5:09
user2683
asked Dec 20 '11 at 0:55
Larry Morries
879142741
asked Dec 20 '11 at 0:55
Larry Morries
879142741
asked Dec 20 '11 at 0:55
Larry Morries
879142741
879142741
2
Someone who never makes jokes or laughs could be called deadpan
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:16
1
A nerd........?
– Terry Li
Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
1
@Terry LiYifeng: I doubt that. In my understanding, nerds are often quite giggly (perhaps because they're often socially awkward).
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:29
1
You could always go with "Finn".
– user11550
Dec 20 '11 at 6:03
4
@FumbleFingers: deadpan's not quite right, there are many, many comedians and comedy actors whose delivery of jokes is deadpan.
– Hugo
Dec 20 '11 at 6:59
|
show 3 more comments
2
Someone who never makes jokes or laughs could be called deadpan
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:16
1
A nerd........?
– Terry Li
Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
1
@Terry LiYifeng: I doubt that. In my understanding, nerds are often quite giggly (perhaps because they're often socially awkward).
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:29
1
You could always go with "Finn".
– user11550
Dec 20 '11 at 6:03
4
@FumbleFingers: deadpan's not quite right, there are many, many comedians and comedy actors whose delivery of jokes is deadpan.
– Hugo
Dec 20 '11 at 6:59
2
2
Someone who never makes jokes or laughs could be called deadpan
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:16
Someone who never makes jokes or laughs could be called deadpan
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:16
1
1
A nerd........?
– Terry Li
Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
A nerd........?
– Terry Li
Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
1
1
@Terry LiYifeng: I doubt that. In my understanding, nerds are often quite giggly (perhaps because they're often socially awkward).
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:29
@Terry LiYifeng: I doubt that. In my understanding, nerds are often quite giggly (perhaps because they're often socially awkward).
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:29
1
1
You could always go with "Finn".
– user11550
Dec 20 '11 at 6:03
You could always go with "Finn".
– user11550
Dec 20 '11 at 6:03
4
4
@FumbleFingers: deadpan's not quite right, there are many, many comedians and comedy actors whose delivery of jokes is deadpan.
– Hugo
Dec 20 '11 at 6:59
@FumbleFingers: deadpan's not quite right, there are many, many comedians and comedy actors whose delivery of jokes is deadpan.
– Hugo
Dec 20 '11 at 6:59
|
show 3 more comments
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
A formal adjective is
humorless
Some informal nouns are
stick-in-the-mud
kill-joy
buzz-kill
I can't think of any formal nouns or informal adjectives.
edited Dec 20 '11 at 3:21
Hellion
52.9k13108196
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:05
Mitch
50.4k15101211
A killjoy is a person who is anti-fun, or prevents others from having fun. Yeah, 'killjoy' look quite close but then would a Joker allows others to have fun? (Some joker's jokes also make people angry too). Would 'Anti-Joker' be worth considering?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:36
4
+1 for humorless, which seems the only word coming closest.
– Kris
Dec 20 '11 at 7:47
Yes, humourless seems perfect. The others confuse the ideas of 'not making jokes' and 'stopping others making jokes'.
– TimLymington
Dec 21 '11 at 11:03
add a comment |
Some words that come to mind are sober, serious, and stoic.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 2:19
Barbara Hayes
612
stoic - A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. I wish to use the word 'stoic' but if I use it, then 'Joker' might have a new meaning - a person who cannot endure pain or hardship by showing their feelings or complaining?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:38
Stoic does not mean the opposite of a joker; don't use it thus.
– slim
Dec 20 '11 at 13:04
I agree. Stoic was a reach that slipped away from humorless.
– Barbara Hayes
Dec 21 '11 at 3:35
add a comment |
If you want to go the metaphorical route, there's "machine," "robot," and such like. Of course the meaning changes depending on context, but still, it's an option.
The mechanical metaphor sort of implies a general lack of emotion, though, in which case "Vulcan" might be more obvious for some people.
Another slangy sort of option would be "stiff." In my experience it doesn't imply anything other than being unnecessarily formal, tense, no fun at all, which to me means not joking around and having fun with everyone else. Still not a perfect match, though. In certain circles being a "stiff" also implies being dead. You might want to keep that in mind just in case.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 4:36
kitukwfyer
3,6201920
stiff is good but the problem is that can I say that people who don't joke at all are called stiff?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:37
1
@Larry: I think you could say that, yes. NOAD lists, among several other definitions for stiff, "a boring, conventional person."
– J.R.
Oct 20 '12 at 9:34
add a comment |
Some synonyms of already-suggested killjoy are grouch,
spoilsport, and wet blanket. However, I'd look for synonyms of strait-laced, "Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish." (Prudish: "of excessive propriety; easily offended or shocked...") Synonyms of the latter include demure, priggish, prim, prissy, puritanical, square-toed, squeamish, straightlaced, straitlaced, tight-laced. Going for synonyms of recently-suggested deadpan gives impassive, poker-faced, unexpressive.
Edit: Prompted by Larry Morries comment on non-jokers I looked up some uses of it. It isn't a common term (fewer than 3000 Google hits) but in a half-dozen pages I looked at was consistently used specifically to contrast people who joke with people who don't. Example: 1898 J. F. Muirhead book, page 139.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
@JasperLoy - No, I think you're wrong about that, word request answers ideally are meant to be perfect matches. I agree that strait-laced is not exactly what's being asked for here, but none of the suggestions so far have meanings that specifically refer to "non-jokers" and it's worth considering. Have you ever seen any priggish, prim, prissy, or straitlaced people making jokes?
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 2:15
I am pretty puritanical, and I shall have you know that I love slapstick and puns. Seriously. I drive people crazy with some of the weird/dumb stuff I come up with. Also: animal noises are always funny. So, I have to say I think your intuition is not too reliable in this case. :)
– kitukwfyer
Dec 20 '11 at 4:27
@jwpat7, seems like your "non-jokers" is worth considering. Other words are good but they are not closer to "non-jokers" but unless there is a term that is the equivalent of "non-jokers", I think I will have to settle for "non-jokers". (unless you want me to call this group of people - "batman"???)
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:33
@LarryMorries - I added a paragraph about "non-jokers".
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 7:58
@jwpat7 - thanks for researching on the term "non-jokers". (If there are no better answer than non-jokers. I will vote your answer as correct)
– Larry Morries
Dec 21 '11 at 1:47
add a comment |
How about uptight? Has someone considered this to be an apt word for people who hate jokes. I tried searching for a word after I called somebody a snob for hating jokes and landed up here.
answered Sep 3 '17 at 5:04
Shahid
111
add a comment |
Agelastic
rare
Literary. Never laughing; morose, laughter-hating.
[Oxford Dictionaries]
The term used to be obsolete but has been upgraded to "rare" by the OED.
See World Wide Words for an interesting discussion on the term.
edited Jan 3 at 2:34
Chappo
2,59241225
answered Jan 3 at 1:13
David Brady
111
New contributor
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hi David, welcome to EL&U. Great word! I've taken the liberty of editing your answer slightly to improve its readability, but if you have the time, I recommend you edit it further to add some of the more interesting bits from the WWW discussion :-)
– Chappo
Jan 3 at 2:39
add a comment |
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6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
6 Answers
6
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
A formal adjective is
humorless
Some informal nouns are
stick-in-the-mud
kill-joy
buzz-kill
I can't think of any formal nouns or informal adjectives.
edited Dec 20 '11 at 3:21
Hellion
52.9k13108196
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:05
Mitch
50.4k15101211
A killjoy is a person who is anti-fun, or prevents others from having fun. Yeah, 'killjoy' look quite close but then would a Joker allows others to have fun? (Some joker's jokes also make people angry too). Would 'Anti-Joker' be worth considering?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:36
4
+1 for humorless, which seems the only word coming closest.
– Kris
Dec 20 '11 at 7:47
Yes, humourless seems perfect. The others confuse the ideas of 'not making jokes' and 'stopping others making jokes'.
– TimLymington
Dec 21 '11 at 11:03
add a comment |
A formal adjective is
humorless
Some informal nouns are
stick-in-the-mud
kill-joy
buzz-kill
I can't think of any formal nouns or informal adjectives.
edited Dec 20 '11 at 3:21
Hellion
52.9k13108196
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:05
Mitch
50.4k15101211
A killjoy is a person who is anti-fun, or prevents others from having fun. Yeah, 'killjoy' look quite close but then would a Joker allows others to have fun? (Some joker's jokes also make people angry too). Would 'Anti-Joker' be worth considering?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:36
4
+1 for humorless, which seems the only word coming closest.
– Kris
Dec 20 '11 at 7:47
Yes, humourless seems perfect. The others confuse the ideas of 'not making jokes' and 'stopping others making jokes'.
– TimLymington
Dec 21 '11 at 11:03
add a comment |
A formal adjective is
humorless
Some informal nouns are
stick-in-the-mud
kill-joy
buzz-kill
I can't think of any formal nouns or informal adjectives.
edited Dec 20 '11 at 3:21
Hellion
52.9k13108196
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:05
Mitch
50.4k15101211
A formal adjective is
humorless
Some informal nouns are
stick-in-the-mud
kill-joy
buzz-kill
I can't think of any formal nouns or informal adjectives.
edited Dec 20 '11 at 3:21
Hellion
52.9k13108196
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:05
Mitch
50.4k15101211
edited Dec 20 '11 at 3:21
Hellion
52.9k13108196
edited Dec 20 '11 at 3:21
Hellion
52.9k13108196
edited Dec 20 '11 at 3:21
Hellion
52.9k13108196
52.9k13108196
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:05
Mitch
50.4k15101211
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:05
Mitch
50.4k15101211
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:05
Mitch
50.4k15101211
50.4k15101211
A killjoy is a person who is anti-fun, or prevents others from having fun. Yeah, 'killjoy' look quite close but then would a Joker allows others to have fun? (Some joker's jokes also make people angry too). Would 'Anti-Joker' be worth considering?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:36
4
+1 for humorless, which seems the only word coming closest.
– Kris
Dec 20 '11 at 7:47
Yes, humourless seems perfect. The others confuse the ideas of 'not making jokes' and 'stopping others making jokes'.
– TimLymington
Dec 21 '11 at 11:03
add a comment |
A killjoy is a person who is anti-fun, or prevents others from having fun. Yeah, 'killjoy' look quite close but then would a Joker allows others to have fun? (Some joker's jokes also make people angry too). Would 'Anti-Joker' be worth considering?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:36
4
+1 for humorless, which seems the only word coming closest.
– Kris
Dec 20 '11 at 7:47
Yes, humourless seems perfect. The others confuse the ideas of 'not making jokes' and 'stopping others making jokes'.
– TimLymington
Dec 21 '11 at 11:03
A killjoy is a person who is anti-fun, or prevents others from having fun. Yeah, 'killjoy' look quite close but then would a Joker allows others to have fun? (Some joker's jokes also make people angry too). Would 'Anti-Joker' be worth considering?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:36
A killjoy is a person who is anti-fun, or prevents others from having fun. Yeah, 'killjoy' look quite close but then would a Joker allows others to have fun? (Some joker's jokes also make people angry too). Would 'Anti-Joker' be worth considering?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:36
4
4
+1 for humorless, which seems the only word coming closest.
– Kris
Dec 20 '11 at 7:47
+1 for humorless, which seems the only word coming closest.
– Kris
Dec 20 '11 at 7:47
Yes, humourless seems perfect. The others confuse the ideas of 'not making jokes' and 'stopping others making jokes'.
– TimLymington
Dec 21 '11 at 11:03
Yes, humourless seems perfect. The others confuse the ideas of 'not making jokes' and 'stopping others making jokes'.
– TimLymington
Dec 21 '11 at 11:03
add a comment |
Some words that come to mind are sober, serious, and stoic.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 2:19
Barbara Hayes
612
stoic - A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. I wish to use the word 'stoic' but if I use it, then 'Joker' might have a new meaning - a person who cannot endure pain or hardship by showing their feelings or complaining?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:38
Stoic does not mean the opposite of a joker; don't use it thus.
– slim
Dec 20 '11 at 13:04
I agree. Stoic was a reach that slipped away from humorless.
– Barbara Hayes
Dec 21 '11 at 3:35
add a comment |
Some words that come to mind are sober, serious, and stoic.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 2:19
Barbara Hayes
612
stoic - A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. I wish to use the word 'stoic' but if I use it, then 'Joker' might have a new meaning - a person who cannot endure pain or hardship by showing their feelings or complaining?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:38
Stoic does not mean the opposite of a joker; don't use it thus.
– slim
Dec 20 '11 at 13:04
I agree. Stoic was a reach that slipped away from humorless.
– Barbara Hayes
Dec 21 '11 at 3:35
add a comment |
Some words that come to mind are sober, serious, and stoic.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 2:19
Barbara Hayes
612
Some words that come to mind are sober, serious, and stoic.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 2:19
Barbara Hayes
612
answered Dec 20 '11 at 2:19
Barbara Hayes
612
answered Dec 20 '11 at 2:19
Barbara Hayes
612
answered Dec 20 '11 at 2:19
Barbara Hayes
612
612
stoic - A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. I wish to use the word 'stoic' but if I use it, then 'Joker' might have a new meaning - a person who cannot endure pain or hardship by showing their feelings or complaining?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:38
Stoic does not mean the opposite of a joker; don't use it thus.
– slim
Dec 20 '11 at 13:04
I agree. Stoic was a reach that slipped away from humorless.
– Barbara Hayes
Dec 21 '11 at 3:35
add a comment |
stoic - A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. I wish to use the word 'stoic' but if I use it, then 'Joker' might have a new meaning - a person who cannot endure pain or hardship by showing their feelings or complaining?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:38
Stoic does not mean the opposite of a joker; don't use it thus.
– slim
Dec 20 '11 at 13:04
I agree. Stoic was a reach that slipped away from humorless.
– Barbara Hayes
Dec 21 '11 at 3:35
stoic - A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. I wish to use the word 'stoic' but if I use it, then 'Joker' might have a new meaning - a person who cannot endure pain or hardship by showing their feelings or complaining?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:38
stoic - A person who can endure pain or hardship without showing their feelings or complaining. I wish to use the word 'stoic' but if I use it, then 'Joker' might have a new meaning - a person who cannot endure pain or hardship by showing their feelings or complaining?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:38
Stoic does not mean the opposite of a joker; don't use it thus.
– slim
Dec 20 '11 at 13:04
Stoic does not mean the opposite of a joker; don't use it thus.
– slim
Dec 20 '11 at 13:04
I agree. Stoic was a reach that slipped away from humorless.
– Barbara Hayes
Dec 21 '11 at 3:35
I agree. Stoic was a reach that slipped away from humorless.
– Barbara Hayes
Dec 21 '11 at 3:35
add a comment |
If you want to go the metaphorical route, there's "machine," "robot," and such like. Of course the meaning changes depending on context, but still, it's an option.
The mechanical metaphor sort of implies a general lack of emotion, though, in which case "Vulcan" might be more obvious for some people.
Another slangy sort of option would be "stiff." In my experience it doesn't imply anything other than being unnecessarily formal, tense, no fun at all, which to me means not joking around and having fun with everyone else. Still not a perfect match, though. In certain circles being a "stiff" also implies being dead. You might want to keep that in mind just in case.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 4:36
kitukwfyer
3,6201920
stiff is good but the problem is that can I say that people who don't joke at all are called stiff?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:37
1
@Larry: I think you could say that, yes. NOAD lists, among several other definitions for stiff, "a boring, conventional person."
– J.R.
Oct 20 '12 at 9:34
add a comment |
If you want to go the metaphorical route, there's "machine," "robot," and such like. Of course the meaning changes depending on context, but still, it's an option.
The mechanical metaphor sort of implies a general lack of emotion, though, in which case "Vulcan" might be more obvious for some people.
Another slangy sort of option would be "stiff." In my experience it doesn't imply anything other than being unnecessarily formal, tense, no fun at all, which to me means not joking around and having fun with everyone else. Still not a perfect match, though. In certain circles being a "stiff" also implies being dead. You might want to keep that in mind just in case.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 4:36
kitukwfyer
3,6201920
stiff is good but the problem is that can I say that people who don't joke at all are called stiff?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:37
1
@Larry: I think you could say that, yes. NOAD lists, among several other definitions for stiff, "a boring, conventional person."
– J.R.
Oct 20 '12 at 9:34
add a comment |
If you want to go the metaphorical route, there's "machine," "robot," and such like. Of course the meaning changes depending on context, but still, it's an option.
The mechanical metaphor sort of implies a general lack of emotion, though, in which case "Vulcan" might be more obvious for some people.
Another slangy sort of option would be "stiff." In my experience it doesn't imply anything other than being unnecessarily formal, tense, no fun at all, which to me means not joking around and having fun with everyone else. Still not a perfect match, though. In certain circles being a "stiff" also implies being dead. You might want to keep that in mind just in case.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 4:36
kitukwfyer
3,6201920
If you want to go the metaphorical route, there's "machine," "robot," and such like. Of course the meaning changes depending on context, but still, it's an option.
The mechanical metaphor sort of implies a general lack of emotion, though, in which case "Vulcan" might be more obvious for some people.
Another slangy sort of option would be "stiff." In my experience it doesn't imply anything other than being unnecessarily formal, tense, no fun at all, which to me means not joking around and having fun with everyone else. Still not a perfect match, though. In certain circles being a "stiff" also implies being dead. You might want to keep that in mind just in case.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 4:36
kitukwfyer
3,6201920
answered Dec 20 '11 at 4:36
kitukwfyer
3,6201920
answered Dec 20 '11 at 4:36
kitukwfyer
3,6201920
answered Dec 20 '11 at 4:36
kitukwfyer
3,6201920
3,6201920
stiff is good but the problem is that can I say that people who don't joke at all are called stiff?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:37
1
@Larry: I think you could say that, yes. NOAD lists, among several other definitions for stiff, "a boring, conventional person."
– J.R.
Oct 20 '12 at 9:34
add a comment |
stiff is good but the problem is that can I say that people who don't joke at all are called stiff?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:37
1
@Larry: I think you could say that, yes. NOAD lists, among several other definitions for stiff, "a boring, conventional person."
– J.R.
Oct 20 '12 at 9:34
stiff is good but the problem is that can I say that people who don't joke at all are called stiff?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:37
stiff is good but the problem is that can I say that people who don't joke at all are called stiff?
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:37
1
1
@Larry: I think you could say that, yes. NOAD lists, among several other definitions for stiff, "a boring, conventional person."
– J.R.
Oct 20 '12 at 9:34
@Larry: I think you could say that, yes. NOAD lists, among several other definitions for stiff, "a boring, conventional person."
– J.R.
Oct 20 '12 at 9:34
add a comment |
Some synonyms of already-suggested killjoy are grouch,
spoilsport, and wet blanket. However, I'd look for synonyms of strait-laced, "Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish." (Prudish: "of excessive propriety; easily offended or shocked...") Synonyms of the latter include demure, priggish, prim, prissy, puritanical, square-toed, squeamish, straightlaced, straitlaced, tight-laced. Going for synonyms of recently-suggested deadpan gives impassive, poker-faced, unexpressive.
Edit: Prompted by Larry Morries comment on non-jokers I looked up some uses of it. It isn't a common term (fewer than 3000 Google hits) but in a half-dozen pages I looked at was consistently used specifically to contrast people who joke with people who don't. Example: 1898 J. F. Muirhead book, page 139.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
@JasperLoy - No, I think you're wrong about that, word request answers ideally are meant to be perfect matches. I agree that strait-laced is not exactly what's being asked for here, but none of the suggestions so far have meanings that specifically refer to "non-jokers" and it's worth considering. Have you ever seen any priggish, prim, prissy, or straitlaced people making jokes?
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 2:15
I am pretty puritanical, and I shall have you know that I love slapstick and puns. Seriously. I drive people crazy with some of the weird/dumb stuff I come up with. Also: animal noises are always funny. So, I have to say I think your intuition is not too reliable in this case. :)
– kitukwfyer
Dec 20 '11 at 4:27
@jwpat7, seems like your "non-jokers" is worth considering. Other words are good but they are not closer to "non-jokers" but unless there is a term that is the equivalent of "non-jokers", I think I will have to settle for "non-jokers". (unless you want me to call this group of people - "batman"???)
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:33
@LarryMorries - I added a paragraph about "non-jokers".
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 7:58
@jwpat7 - thanks for researching on the term "non-jokers". (If there are no better answer than non-jokers. I will vote your answer as correct)
– Larry Morries
Dec 21 '11 at 1:47
add a comment |
Some synonyms of already-suggested killjoy are grouch,
spoilsport, and wet blanket. However, I'd look for synonyms of strait-laced, "Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish." (Prudish: "of excessive propriety; easily offended or shocked...") Synonyms of the latter include demure, priggish, prim, prissy, puritanical, square-toed, squeamish, straightlaced, straitlaced, tight-laced. Going for synonyms of recently-suggested deadpan gives impassive, poker-faced, unexpressive.
Edit: Prompted by Larry Morries comment on non-jokers I looked up some uses of it. It isn't a common term (fewer than 3000 Google hits) but in a half-dozen pages I looked at was consistently used specifically to contrast people who joke with people who don't. Example: 1898 J. F. Muirhead book, page 139.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
@JasperLoy - No, I think you're wrong about that, word request answers ideally are meant to be perfect matches. I agree that strait-laced is not exactly what's being asked for here, but none of the suggestions so far have meanings that specifically refer to "non-jokers" and it's worth considering. Have you ever seen any priggish, prim, prissy, or straitlaced people making jokes?
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 2:15
I am pretty puritanical, and I shall have you know that I love slapstick and puns. Seriously. I drive people crazy with some of the weird/dumb stuff I come up with. Also: animal noises are always funny. So, I have to say I think your intuition is not too reliable in this case. :)
– kitukwfyer
Dec 20 '11 at 4:27
@jwpat7, seems like your "non-jokers" is worth considering. Other words are good but they are not closer to "non-jokers" but unless there is a term that is the equivalent of "non-jokers", I think I will have to settle for "non-jokers". (unless you want me to call this group of people - "batman"???)
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:33
@LarryMorries - I added a paragraph about "non-jokers".
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 7:58
@jwpat7 - thanks for researching on the term "non-jokers". (If there are no better answer than non-jokers. I will vote your answer as correct)
– Larry Morries
Dec 21 '11 at 1:47
add a comment |
Some synonyms of already-suggested killjoy are grouch,
spoilsport, and wet blanket. However, I'd look for synonyms of strait-laced, "Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish." (Prudish: "of excessive propriety; easily offended or shocked...") Synonyms of the latter include demure, priggish, prim, prissy, puritanical, square-toed, squeamish, straightlaced, straitlaced, tight-laced. Going for synonyms of recently-suggested deadpan gives impassive, poker-faced, unexpressive.
Edit: Prompted by Larry Morries comment on non-jokers I looked up some uses of it. It isn't a common term (fewer than 3000 Google hits) but in a half-dozen pages I looked at was consistently used specifically to contrast people who joke with people who don't. Example: 1898 J. F. Muirhead book, page 139.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
Some synonyms of already-suggested killjoy are grouch,
spoilsport, and wet blanket. However, I'd look for synonyms of strait-laced, "Having narrow views on moral matters; prudish." (Prudish: "of excessive propriety; easily offended or shocked...") Synonyms of the latter include demure, priggish, prim, prissy, puritanical, square-toed, squeamish, straightlaced, straitlaced, tight-laced. Going for synonyms of recently-suggested deadpan gives impassive, poker-faced, unexpressive.
Edit: Prompted by Larry Morries comment on non-jokers I looked up some uses of it. It isn't a common term (fewer than 3000 Google hits) but in a half-dozen pages I looked at was consistently used specifically to contrast people who joke with people who don't. Example: 1898 J. F. Muirhead book, page 139.
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
edited Dec 20 '11 at 7:57
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
answered Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
James Waldby - jwpat7
62.3k1187182
62.3k1187182
@JasperLoy - No, I think you're wrong about that, word request answers ideally are meant to be perfect matches. I agree that strait-laced is not exactly what's being asked for here, but none of the suggestions so far have meanings that specifically refer to "non-jokers" and it's worth considering. Have you ever seen any priggish, prim, prissy, or straitlaced people making jokes?
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 2:15
I am pretty puritanical, and I shall have you know that I love slapstick and puns. Seriously. I drive people crazy with some of the weird/dumb stuff I come up with. Also: animal noises are always funny. So, I have to say I think your intuition is not too reliable in this case. :)
– kitukwfyer
Dec 20 '11 at 4:27
@jwpat7, seems like your "non-jokers" is worth considering. Other words are good but they are not closer to "non-jokers" but unless there is a term that is the equivalent of "non-jokers", I think I will have to settle for "non-jokers". (unless you want me to call this group of people - "batman"???)
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:33
@LarryMorries - I added a paragraph about "non-jokers".
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 7:58
@jwpat7 - thanks for researching on the term "non-jokers". (If there are no better answer than non-jokers. I will vote your answer as correct)
– Larry Morries
Dec 21 '11 at 1:47
add a comment |
@JasperLoy - No, I think you're wrong about that, word request answers ideally are meant to be perfect matches. I agree that strait-laced is not exactly what's being asked for here, but none of the suggestions so far have meanings that specifically refer to "non-jokers" and it's worth considering. Have you ever seen any priggish, prim, prissy, or straitlaced people making jokes?
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 2:15
I am pretty puritanical, and I shall have you know that I love slapstick and puns. Seriously. I drive people crazy with some of the weird/dumb stuff I come up with. Also: animal noises are always funny. So, I have to say I think your intuition is not too reliable in this case. :)
– kitukwfyer
Dec 20 '11 at 4:27
@jwpat7, seems like your "non-jokers" is worth considering. Other words are good but they are not closer to "non-jokers" but unless there is a term that is the equivalent of "non-jokers", I think I will have to settle for "non-jokers". (unless you want me to call this group of people - "batman"???)
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:33
@LarryMorries - I added a paragraph about "non-jokers".
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 7:58
@jwpat7 - thanks for researching on the term "non-jokers". (If there are no better answer than non-jokers. I will vote your answer as correct)
– Larry Morries
Dec 21 '11 at 1:47
@JasperLoy - No, I think you're wrong about that, word request answers ideally are meant to be perfect matches. I agree that strait-laced is not exactly what's being asked for here, but none of the suggestions so far have meanings that specifically refer to "non-jokers" and it's worth considering. Have you ever seen any priggish, prim, prissy, or straitlaced people making jokes?
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 2:15
@JasperLoy - No, I think you're wrong about that, word request answers ideally are meant to be perfect matches. I agree that strait-laced is not exactly what's being asked for here, but none of the suggestions so far have meanings that specifically refer to "non-jokers" and it's worth considering. Have you ever seen any priggish, prim, prissy, or straitlaced people making jokes?
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 2:15
I am pretty puritanical, and I shall have you know that I love slapstick and puns. Seriously. I drive people crazy with some of the weird/dumb stuff I come up with. Also: animal noises are always funny. So, I have to say I think your intuition is not too reliable in this case. :)
– kitukwfyer
Dec 20 '11 at 4:27
I am pretty puritanical, and I shall have you know that I love slapstick and puns. Seriously. I drive people crazy with some of the weird/dumb stuff I come up with. Also: animal noises are always funny. So, I have to say I think your intuition is not too reliable in this case. :)
– kitukwfyer
Dec 20 '11 at 4:27
@jwpat7, seems like your "non-jokers" is worth considering. Other words are good but they are not closer to "non-jokers" but unless there is a term that is the equivalent of "non-jokers", I think I will have to settle for "non-jokers". (unless you want me to call this group of people - "batman"???)
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:33
@jwpat7, seems like your "non-jokers" is worth considering. Other words are good but they are not closer to "non-jokers" but unless there is a term that is the equivalent of "non-jokers", I think I will have to settle for "non-jokers". (unless you want me to call this group of people - "batman"???)
– Larry Morries
Dec 20 '11 at 7:33
@LarryMorries - I added a paragraph about "non-jokers".
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 7:58
@LarryMorries - I added a paragraph about "non-jokers".
– James Waldby - jwpat7
Dec 20 '11 at 7:58
@jwpat7 - thanks for researching on the term "non-jokers". (If there are no better answer than non-jokers. I will vote your answer as correct)
– Larry Morries
Dec 21 '11 at 1:47
@jwpat7 - thanks for researching on the term "non-jokers". (If there are no better answer than non-jokers. I will vote your answer as correct)
– Larry Morries
Dec 21 '11 at 1:47
add a comment |
How about uptight? Has someone considered this to be an apt word for people who hate jokes. I tried searching for a word after I called somebody a snob for hating jokes and landed up here.
answered Sep 3 '17 at 5:04
Shahid
111
add a comment |
How about uptight? Has someone considered this to be an apt word for people who hate jokes. I tried searching for a word after I called somebody a snob for hating jokes and landed up here.
answered Sep 3 '17 at 5:04
Shahid
111
add a comment |
How about uptight? Has someone considered this to be an apt word for people who hate jokes. I tried searching for a word after I called somebody a snob for hating jokes and landed up here.
answered Sep 3 '17 at 5:04
Shahid
111
How about uptight? Has someone considered this to be an apt word for people who hate jokes. I tried searching for a word after I called somebody a snob for hating jokes and landed up here.
answered Sep 3 '17 at 5:04
Shahid
111
answered Sep 3 '17 at 5:04
Shahid
111
answered Sep 3 '17 at 5:04
Shahid
111
answered Sep 3 '17 at 5:04
Shahid
111
111
add a comment |
add a comment |
Agelastic
rare
Literary. Never laughing; morose, laughter-hating.
[Oxford Dictionaries]
The term used to be obsolete but has been upgraded to "rare" by the OED.
See World Wide Words for an interesting discussion on the term.
edited Jan 3 at 2:34
Chappo
2,59241225
answered Jan 3 at 1:13
David Brady
111
New contributor
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hi David, welcome to EL&U. Great word! I've taken the liberty of editing your answer slightly to improve its readability, but if you have the time, I recommend you edit it further to add some of the more interesting bits from the WWW discussion :-)
– Chappo
Jan 3 at 2:39
add a comment |
Agelastic
rare
Literary. Never laughing; morose, laughter-hating.
[Oxford Dictionaries]
The term used to be obsolete but has been upgraded to "rare" by the OED.
See World Wide Words for an interesting discussion on the term.
edited Jan 3 at 2:34
Chappo
2,59241225
answered Jan 3 at 1:13
David Brady
111
New contributor
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hi David, welcome to EL&U. Great word! I've taken the liberty of editing your answer slightly to improve its readability, but if you have the time, I recommend you edit it further to add some of the more interesting bits from the WWW discussion :-)
– Chappo
Jan 3 at 2:39
add a comment |
Agelastic
rare
Literary. Never laughing; morose, laughter-hating.
[Oxford Dictionaries]
The term used to be obsolete but has been upgraded to "rare" by the OED.
See World Wide Words for an interesting discussion on the term.
edited Jan 3 at 2:34
Chappo
2,59241225
answered Jan 3 at 1:13
David Brady
111
New contributor
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Agelastic
rare
Literary. Never laughing; morose, laughter-hating.
[Oxford Dictionaries]
The term used to be obsolete but has been upgraded to "rare" by the OED.
See World Wide Words for an interesting discussion on the term.
edited Jan 3 at 2:34
Chappo
2,59241225
answered Jan 3 at 1:13
David Brady
111
New contributor
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
edited Jan 3 at 2:34
Chappo
2,59241225
edited Jan 3 at 2:34
Chappo
2,59241225
edited Jan 3 at 2:34
Chappo
2,59241225
2,59241225
answered Jan 3 at 1:13
David Brady
111
New contributor
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered Jan 3 at 1:13
David Brady
111
answered Jan 3 at 1:13
David Brady
111
111
New contributor
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
David Brady is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Hi David, welcome to EL&U. Great word! I've taken the liberty of editing your answer slightly to improve its readability, but if you have the time, I recommend you edit it further to add some of the more interesting bits from the WWW discussion :-)
– Chappo
Jan 3 at 2:39
add a comment |
Hi David, welcome to EL&U. Great word! I've taken the liberty of editing your answer slightly to improve its readability, but if you have the time, I recommend you edit it further to add some of the more interesting bits from the WWW discussion :-)
– Chappo
Jan 3 at 2:39
Hi David, welcome to EL&U. Great word! I've taken the liberty of editing your answer slightly to improve its readability, but if you have the time, I recommend you edit it further to add some of the more interesting bits from the WWW discussion :-)
– Chappo
Jan 3 at 2:39
Hi David, welcome to EL&U. Great word! I've taken the liberty of editing your answer slightly to improve its readability, but if you have the time, I recommend you edit it further to add some of the more interesting bits from the WWW discussion :-)
– Chappo
Jan 3 at 2:39
add a comment |
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2
Someone who never makes jokes or laughs could be called deadpan
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:16
1
A nerd........?
– Terry Li
Dec 20 '11 at 1:17
1
@Terry LiYifeng: I doubt that. In my understanding, nerds are often quite giggly (perhaps because they're often socially awkward).
– FumbleFingers
Dec 20 '11 at 1:29
1
You could always go with "Finn".
– user11550
Dec 20 '11 at 6:03
4
@FumbleFingers: deadpan's not quite right, there are many, many comedians and comedy actors whose delivery of jokes is deadpan.
– Hugo
Dec 20 '11 at 6:59