Dictionary of Humorous Words: Vocabulary Building
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What are “Humorous Words”?
What is Humor? [HUMOUR [(British English) | HUMOR (AMERICAN ENGLISH)]
Humor is something that is funny, comical, or amusing
Definition of ‘Humorous Words’
Words that are intended to be amusing, entertaining, funny, or comical are called humorous words.
Examples:
beak [noun] – large or pointed nose of somebody
ego-surfing [noun] – the activity of searching your name on different websites on the Internet
iron rations [noun] – a small amount of food carried for an emergency by soldiers, etc. while climbing or walking
unhand [verb] – to release somebody that you are holding
Besides “Humorous Words”, there are some Idioms and Phrasal Verbs which are used to express humor (amusement or funniness)
Example- (idiom): a big cheese – a very important and influential person in a big organization
Example- (phrasal verb): gird (up) your loins – to get ready to do a difficult task or activity
NOTE: Many ‘Humorous Words’ are also used in ‘formal’, ‘informal’ or other sense
Example:
BEAST
beast [noun] [Humorous] – a person or thing who is unpleasant
beast [noun] [Informal] – a thing of a particular type
beast [noun] [Formal] – a large and dangerous animal
A detailed list of ‘humorous words’, parts of speech they belong to, and their meanings are as follows:
Humorous Words -- A
abaya [noun]
a full-length, sleeveless outer garment worn by Arabs
abdicate [verb]
to give up all hope of ever having a flat stomach
abibliophobia [noun]
the fear of running out of reading material
abomasums [noun]
the fourth stomach of a ruminant, such as a cow or a sheep
absquatulate [verb]
to abruptly leave or abscond with something
academe [noun]
the world of studying, teaching, etc. at academic institutions e.g. universities and colleges
accoutrements (accouterments) [noun]
pieces of equipment that are required for an activity; accessories
acerbate [verb]
to embitter somebody
acidulous [adjective]
rather sour or sharp in speech, manner, etc.
adjourn to… [phrasal verb]
to go to another place to calm down
of advanced years | sb's advanced age [idiom]
used to show that somebody is ‘very old’ or aged
agelast [noun]
one who never laughs
aglet [noun]
the plastic tip on the end of a shoelace
alack [exclamation]
used to express sadness or regret
allegator [noun]
someone who alleges
allergic [adjective]
strong dislike towards somebody
amatory [adjective]
relating to physical activity or desire
amphibology [noun]
grammatically ambiguous phrase or sentence (e.g.: he talked to his son and his daughter)
amphisbaena [noun]
a mythical serpent with a head at each end
anencephalous [adjective]
lacking a brain
anfractuous [adjective]
circuitous or winding
anguilliform [adjective]
resembling an eel
anserine [adjective]
goose-like | silly or foolish
antediluvian [adjective]
traditional or out-of-date
anthropophagy [noun]
cannibalism
apolaustic [adjective]
devoted to the seeking of enjoyment
apple-knocker [noun]
an ignorant or unsophisticated person
appurtenance [noun]
a smaller part of something larger, superior or more significant
archipelago [noun]
a chain of islands
argle-bargle [noun]
meaningless and abundant talk or writing
