Phrase guide

take a joke

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To accept a joke at one's expense.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The school authorities, unable to take a joke, demanded the immediate removal of the satirical poster.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

listen to a joke at one's own expense

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Can't you take a joke?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: digest, endure, stick out, stomach, bear, stand, tolerate, support, brook, abide, suffer, put up

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

11 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: kestää vitsi — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • Finnish: kestää pilaa — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • French: rire de soi — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • French: avoir un sens de l'humour — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • French: savoir plaisanter — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • French: faire preuve d'autodérision — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • Polish: znać się na żartach — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • Portuguese: levar na boa — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • Spanish: tener sentido del humor — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • Spanish: tener sentido humoroso / humorístico — to accept a joke at one's expense
  • Spanish: aguantar / soportar / tolerar un chiste — to accept a joke at one's expense