Puns, silly turns of phrase, and the groan-worthy dad joke are not modern inventions. Plenty of text-based giggles were available before memes took over the internet. Whether you’re looking to lighten the mood, reconnect with a friend, or make a child laugh, here are a few historical favorites that are as effective now as ever.
Great for Fans of The Good Place
Playwright and poet Oscar Wilde was known for his wry wit and creative puns. He once joked about the famous philosopher and Enlightenment thinker Immanuel Kant. In Wilde’s joke, Kant’s name does double duty to jab at how seriously philosophers take their work.
How Many Does He Want?
For those who need a visual interpretation, throw up your pointer and middle fingers to make the Roman numeral five (V).
The Government Is Always a Punchline
Often misattributed to President John Adams, this humorous quote actually comes from the Broadway musical 1776, by Peter Stone. In Act 1 of the show, the future President throws out the line amid a sea of complaints about Congress. Our apologies to any lawyers or congresspeople.
Lying Through Wooden Teeth
This joke relies on the audience knowing whether “lay” or “lie” is correct, but puns with a double meaning will never go out of style. Teachers, save this one for your lesson on the multiple meanings of the verb “lie.”
A Spring Joke for Thanksgiving
It might take a minute, but the audience will certainly give a groan when they remember the Mayflower was the ship that brought the Pilgrims to the New World in 1620.
Drawing From History
Whether warranted or not, France is the butt of many historical warfare jokes. Just avoid telling this one at a French restaurant.
Campaign Slogans Are Good for a Laugh
When Democratic presidential candidate Franklin Pierce ran for office in 1852, he took inspiration from his predecessor, James K. Polk.
Pierce’s campaign became, “We Polked You in ’44, We Shall Pierce You in ’52.”
The cheesy slogan might induce an eye roll, but it seemed to work, as Pierce was the next Democratic candidate to enter the White House.
Who Said That?
American humorist and writer Mark Twain is credited with many punny mottos, including this playful take on the Nile River in Egypt. There’s no proof that Twain ever uttered this particular phrase, but it has appeared in Saturday Night Live skits, in musician David Crosby’s autobiography, and in an op-ed about global warming by former Vice President Al Gore.
A Bonus for the Kids
Sometimes the simplest jokes are the best ones.
