“Butt of the Joke” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 9, 2024 by Liam Daniel

The idiomatic phrase “butt of the joke” is one that you may hear or see frequently during everyday conversation and in writing. In this reference, you will find the meaning of this phrase, examples of how to use the phrase properly in conversations, and discover some alternative ways to say this phrase that still convey the same meaning. Understanding the “butt of the joke” is essential for grasping its full context and usage.

Butt Of The Joke Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Butt of the joke” refers to the person or thing being ridiculed or laughed at in a joke, often in an embarrassing or insulting way.
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Butt Of The Joke Meaning

The phrase “butt of the joke” refers to the person or thing that is the main target or subject of ridicule, teasing, or humor. It implies that the person is the one being laughed at in a joke or funny situation, often in a way that might be embarrassing or insulting.

Example:

  • He didn’t mind being the butt of the joke during the party, as long as everyone was having fun.

It’s generally used when someone becomes the focus of a joke, often without their intention.

Origin of this Idiom

The origin of the phrase “butt of the joke” seems to stem back to at least the 13th century. During this time, the Old French word “but” was used to mean to aim or target something specifically with an arrow. In the mid 14th century, the same term was used to describe a support for an archery target. The phrase as we know it today was derived from this meaning of the word “but” with an added t and was meant to imply that someone was the target of the joke.

Usage of “Butt Of The Joke”

  1. During a casual conversation:
    • He was the butt of the joke all evening because of his funny haircut.
  2. In a social setting:
    • I don’t want to be the butt of the joke, so I’m staying out of this conversation.
  3. In response to teasing:
    • She didn’t mind being the butt of the joke as long as everyone was laughing.
  4. Feeling embarrassed:
    • He felt embarrassed for being the butt of the joke during the meeting.

In each case, “butt of the joke” refers to someone being the focus of teasing or ridicule.

Related Terms to “Butt Of The Joke”

  • Laughingstock – Someone or something that is ridiculed or mocked by others.
  • Target – The person or thing aimed at in a joke or criticism.
  • Punchline – The final part of a joke that makes it funny, though sometimes the punchline can be at someone’s expense.
  • Victim of a prank – Someone who is the subject of a practical joke or trick.
  • Teased – To be the subject of playful or sometimes mean-spirited jokes.
  • Mocked – To be ridiculed or made fun of, often in a mean way.
  • Ridiculed – To be the object of scorn or laughter.
  • Made fun of – When someone is the focus of laughter or jokes, often in a lighthearted or teasing way.

Other Ways to Say “Butt Of The Joke”

Like all idiomatic phrases, there are several alternative ways you can say “butt of the joke” and still convey the same meaning. Some of these alternatives include:

  • The subject of the joke
  • The target of the joke
  • The subject/target of his/her ridicule

“Butt Of The Joke” Examples

Example Statements

A statement made by a student in the school newspaper in an article about bullying.

  • “You need to stop making weaker people the butt of the joke you tell. It might make you feel better, but it makes them feel awful.”

A statement made by a celebrity in an entertainment magazine.

  • “The roast they did for me was great. I was happy that night to be the butt of the joke.”

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends having coffee and discussing another friend.

  • Friend 1: Angela was getting on my nerves yesterday.
  • Friend 2: Yeah, mine too. That’s why I left early.
  • Friend 1: I am just so tired of being the butt of the joke for her. It’s annoying after a while.

A conversation between two co-workers at the office.

  • Co-worker 1: What is wrong Bill?
  • Co-worker 2: I am tired of Candace picking on me all the time. It’s like she has some kind of vendetta against me or just wants to do her best to piss me off every day.
  • Co-worker 1: Woah! Candace? She is the nicest person I know here at the office and incredibly funny. What on earth are you talking about?
  • Co-worker 2: She is funny, but when you are the butt of the joke all the time it is frustrating. I just wish she would move on to someone else already!
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2 thoughts on ““Butt of the Joke” Meaning, Origin and Examples”

  1. My Mom’s husband does that to me, he’s always enjoyed putting me down to make himself feel bigger and better, I think… He knew he made me feel weak (since I was about 11, I’m 66 now) whenever a relative stops by I stay in the bedroom because I’m not going to sit there and be the “butt of his jokes” and his son, my ½ brother is just awful with doing that to people… It hurt me terribly when I found out that he humiliated my son in front of a whole bar full of people making fun of something he’s already been very self-conscious of and he was very loud bc he had an audience and getting laughs yeah at my son’s expense!! I wanted to go beat him up but he’s a muscle man so I don’t know how far I’d get

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