take a joke
idiom
: to laugh at a joke that is about oneself
I wasn't being serious. Can't you take a joke?
Examples of take a joke in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite the fallout, the comedian hammered down on his quip, arguing that some can’t take a joke, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Democratic vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz (Minn.).
—
Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024
No one wants to joke around with someone who can't take a joke.
—Jason Parham, WIRED, 26 July 2024
Gemini May 21-June 20 Your peers might take a joke of yours the wrong way today.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2023
Gemini May 21-June 20 Your peers might take a joke of yours the wrong way today.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2023
But some worried that societal forces, including the bitter debates of the Trump years and the difficulties many faced during the pandemic, may have left people increasingly on edge — and less willing to take a joke.
—New York Times, 12 May 2022
And what better testament to a strong sense of self than the ability to take a joke?
—Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 25 Aug. 2021
Nothing worse than you over-reacters, not being able to take a joke!
—Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Jan. 2023
Can America take a joke?
—Haven Daley, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2022
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024
No one wants to joke around with someone who can't take a joke.
—Jason Parham, WIRED, 26 July 2024
Gemini May 21-June 20 Your peers might take a joke of yours the wrong way today.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2023
Gemini May 21-June 20 Your peers might take a joke of yours the wrong way today.
—Tarot Astrologers, Chicago Tribune, 3 May 2023
But some worried that societal forces, including the bitter debates of the Trump years and the difficulties many faced during the pandemic, may have left people increasingly on edge — and less willing to take a joke.
—New York Times, 12 May 2022
And what better testament to a strong sense of self than the ability to take a joke?
—Sabrina Park, Harper's BAZAAR, 25 Aug. 2021
Nothing worse than you over-reacters, not being able to take a joke!
—Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, 20 Jan. 2023
Can America take a joke?
—Haven Daley, USA TODAY, 12 Dec. 2022
Dictionary Entries Near take a joke
Cite this Entry
“Take a joke.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/take%20a%20joke. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share