Definition

Noun: A joke that uses stereotypes about a specific ethnic, racial, or cultural group as its main subject or punchline. The humor is derived from exaggerated or offensive generalizations about the group's characteristics, behaviors, or customs.

Usage

This term is used to categorize a type of humor. It is important to note that while the term itself is descriptive, the content of such jokes is often considered offensive, derogatory, and harmful as it reinforces negative stereotypes. * He told an ethnic joke that made everyone in the room uncomfortable. * The comedian's routine was criticized for relying too heavily on cheap ethnic jokes. * Discussing the history of ethnic jokes can reveal a lot about societal prejudices.

Advanced Usage

• As a sociological concept: The term is used in academic discussions about prejudice, stereotype propagation, and the boundaries of humor.
  • The paper analyzes the structure and function of the ethnic joke in 20th-century American society.
• In media criticism: Used to critique comedic content that exploits racial or cultural differences for laughs.
  • The film was accused of trafficking in outdated ethnic jokes.

Variants and Related Words

• Ethnic humor (n): A broader category of comedy based on the traditions, traits, or experiences of an ethnic group. This can sometimes be nuanced and insider-focused, unlike the typically derogatory "ethnic joke."
• Stereotypical joke (n): A more general term for a joke based on any stereotype (e.g., gender, profession), not exclusively ethnicity.

Synonyms

• Racial joke
• Derogatory joke (broader, but often applicable)
• Stereotype-based joke

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Inoffensive joke
• Universal joke
• Self-deprecating humor (where the teller jokes about their own group)

Related Idioms or Phrases

• "To crack an ethnic joke": To tell an ethnic joke.
  • It is highly inappropriate to crack an ethnic joke in a professional setting.
• "Target of an ethnic joke": The group being mocked by the joke.
  • The community grew tired of being the constant target of ethnic jokes in the media.

Noun

1. a joke at the expense of some ethnic group