Definition

Verb phrase: - To accept and react good-naturedly to a joke or humorous remark made about oneself, without becoming upset or offended.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a person's ability to tolerate humor directed at their own expense. It often appears in questions or negative statements to comment on someone's lack of humor or sensitivity. - It is typically used in informal contexts. - It often implies that the listener is being overly serious or sensitive.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to be able to take a joke": This is a common formulation emphasizing the capacity or quality of being good-humored.
  • It's important in this office to be able to take a joke; we have a very playful culture.

Variants and Related Words

• Thick-skinned (adj): Not easily upset by criticism or insults; similar in meaning to being able to take a joke.
  • Politicians need to be thick-skinned.
• Self-deprecating (adj): Modest about or critical of oneself, especially humorously so. This is the quality of someone who makes jokes about themselves.
  • She is known for her self-deprecating humor.

Synonyms

• Accept teasing
• Laugh at oneself
• Not be thin-skinned

Antonyms

• Be thin-skinned
• Take offense easily
• Be unable to laugh at oneself

Related Idioms

• "To laugh it off": To respond to a difficult or embarrassing situation by laughing and pretending it is not serious.
  • When he tripped on stage, he just laughed it off and continued his speech. (This is a specific reaction, while "take a joke" is a general ability.)

Verb

1. listen to a joke at one's own expense
   • Can't you take a joke?