Dictionary of Humorous Words: Vocabulary Building

By Manik Joshi

Dictionary of Humorous Words: Vocabulary Building - Manik Joshi
  • Release Date: 2014-07-16
  • Genre: Education

Description

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