The English language is pretty wild. And by that, we mean that it contains some wacky words that seem too weird to be real, yet absolutely are. So if you appreciate a varied vocabulary and would like to embrace a wider range of words, then you’re in luck! We can help you bumfuzzle your friends with the funniest words that are undeniably fanty-sheeny and will leave you in a finifugal mood. If you don’t believe us—or have any clue what that means—then take a peek below to learn about the funniest words in the English language and how to use them.
1. Brouhaha
If you tweet something divisive the generates a lot of conversation, you might say that you started a bit of a brouhaha. That’s a way better word for it than «commotion» or «uproar.»
Example: «Her speech started a brouhaha on all the 24-hour news channels.»
2. Pettifogger
You’ve seen them in movies and on local commercials: lawyers who are willing to do anything to score a client or get a win. In other words, pettifoggers.
Example: «The prosecution’s pettifogger called some pretty shady witnesses.»
3. Sozzled
Hammered. Wrecked. Drunk. Forget all those boring words for being intoxicated—»sozzled» makes it sound almost sophisticated.
Example: «Don’t let him order another drink, he’s already sozzled.»
4. Wassail
If you enjoy warmed, spiced wine, you can get sozzled on wassail.
Example:
5. Inkle
Okay, so maybe this one only comes up in conversation if you’re a weaver, but it’s still a funny word. According to Merriam-Webster, an inkle is «a colored linen tape or braid woven on a very narrow loom and used for trimming.»
Example: «My inkle won’t stay in place!»
6. Mollycoddle
Have a lot of siblings? Your parents probably mollycoddle the youngest, meaning that they baby and indulge them, no matter what they do.
Example: «Stop mollycoddling her, she’s a grown woman!»
7. Skirl
If you travel to Scotland (or go to a Scottish pride event), you’ll almost certainly hear someone skirl, i.e. play the bagpipes.
Example: «Let’s get closer, the bagpipers are about to start skirling.»
8. Hoosegow
A wild night out could land you in the hoosegow for breaking the law. It’s just a funny word for jail!
Example: «Come on, we’ve gotta bail him out of the hoosegow.»
9. Rigmarole
Try to do anything with a government agency and it’ll be a lot of rigmarole. That can either mean a lot of circular discussion or just a generally tedious ordeal.
Example: «Let’s get the rigmarole of the paperwork taken care of.»
10. Impignorate
Despite the reputation of the animal within this word, impignorate actually means to pawn off or mortgage something in your possession.
Example: «I’m going to impignorate this watch for some extra cash.»
11. Bumfuzzle
We all find ourselves confused and flustered from time to time, perhaps even to the point where we might describe ourselves as perplexed. But if those words don’t quite capture your bewildered state of mind, then you may want to use the term bumfuzzle.
Example: «That movie was bumfuzzling and left me, well, bumfuzzled.»
12. Winklepicker
While a winklepicker sounds like it should refer to someone who picks winkles (whatever those might be), a winklepicker is, in fact, a shoe or boot that features a sharp-pointed toe.
Example: «I’ve been looking for the perfect winklepicker to go with these pants.»
13. Hullaballoo
A perfect example of a word that sounds like its meaning, hullaballoo refers to a ruckus or uproar that’s on the unpleasant side.
Example: «The hullaballoo was totally wild.»
14. Argle-bargle
Blah, blah, blah, some people like to drone on for as long as others are willing to listen and there are those particular kinds of mind-numbing conversations that never seem to end. Meaningless arguments and worthless chatter—whether done by talking or writing—is called argle-bargle.
Example: «This is just a bunch of pointless argle-bargle.»
15. Doodlesack
Scottish musicians are well-known for their skill with the bagpipes, but they’re not as famous for their talents with the doodlesack. And that’s kind of funny considering this funniest word is just another word for bagpipes.
Example: «What songs do you like to play on a doodlesack?»
16. Gobbledygook
Slang is one thing, but people who indulge in gobbledygook are a lot like turkeys who also gobble, gobble, gobble, or use language that is basically incomprehensible.
Example: «He sure likes to go on and on with the gobbledygook.»
17. Eeksie-peeksie
If you like everything in your world to be perfectly balanced or appreciate even numbers and identical amounts, then you like things to be eeksie-peeksie, which is a term for equal.
Example: «I think it should be eeksie-peeksie for each of us.»
18. Nudiustertian
No one would blame you for thinking that nudiusterian had something to do with being naked, perhaps representing a cheeky lifestyle that rejects clothes. But the word has nothing to do with showing off your body. Instead, it refers to the day before yesterday.
Example: «I went to work on that nudiustertian morning.
19. Gardyloo
Although we no longer toss garbage out of the windows the way people did years ago, it’s still helpful to know that if you hear someone shout «gardyloo» then you better watch out for flying trash, since that’s the appropriate warning to use.
Example: «Gardyloo and watch out!»
20. Tittynope
This is another word that might make you blush until you find out its perfectly innocent meaning. Tittynope is what you call a small amount of something that’s simply leftover.
Example: «There’s a tittynope of sugar in the bowl.»
21. Lackadaisical
If you know someone who’s rather lazy and fails to show any sort of enthusiasm or ambition, then they’re lackadaisical. It’s probably one of the funniest words because of all those syllables.
Example: «My coworker never gets his work done because he’s lackadaisical.»
22. Snickersnee
Snickersnee is certainly a funny word, but the item behind its meaning is no joke. The term refers to a large (and obviously super sharp) knife.
Example: «That’s not a snickersnee. This is a snickersnee.»
23. Flibbertigibbet
Some people are unreliable and don’t seem to be bothered by their own silly vibe. And while we generally accept that they’re the flighty ones among us, you could also call that certain someone a flibbertigibbet.
Example: «My flibbertigibbet friend failed to show up again.»
24. Fanty-sheeny
If you like the finer things in life—and to show them off—then you appreciate anything that’s fanty-sheeny, which is a word that can be used for someone or something that’s fancy or even ostentatious.
Example: «Her house was filled with fanty-sheeny furniture.»
25. Cattywampus
If something is askew, awry, or lined up in a way that’s not totally straight, such as diagonally—basically, slightly off-center or not quite right—then it’s not just annoying, you could say it’s cattywampus.
Example: «The books on the desk are all cattywampus.»
RELATED:
For more up-to-date information, sign up for our
daily newsletter.
26. Woebegone
If you know that «woe» is a word for sadness, then it might seem like woebegone is a term for wanting sadness to go away. But since «begone» is actually an old word for being within something, it turns out that woebegone is actually one of the funniest words for being in a sad state.
Example: «He was left woebegone, but hopeful.»
27. Taradiddle
It may seem like pretentious nonsense to use as silly of a word as taradiddle to describe, well, pretentious nonsense, but it would certainly suitable since that’s exactly what taradiddle means.
Example: «His stories are more taradiddle than truth.»
28. Maltipoo
The next time you’re thinking about getting a new pet, perhaps you’ll consider a Maltipoo, which is a cross-breed originating from a Maltese terrier and a miniature or toy poodle. Otherwise, you could also consider a Puggle (a pug and beagle mix) or a Dorgi (a dachshund and corgi cross).
Example: «I just adopted the cutest Maltipoo puppy.»
29. Wabbit
Cartoon character Elmer Fudd was famous for calling Bugs Bunny a «wascally wabbit,» which we assumed was because of his particular way of speaking. But perhaps he was actually using the word wabbit, which means weary or exhausted.
Example: «You wabbit rabbit.»
30. Borborygmus
When your insides make a little noise, you can accurately call that borborygmus. That’s the word for the noisy rumbling and gurgling that comes from your midsection. It’s caused by fluids or gas moving in your intestines.
Example: «Can you hear my belly borborygmus?»
31. Funambulism
If you’re looking for a new pastime and prefer extreme endeavors, you could take up skydiving or white water rafting. But you might want to try funambulism instead, which is another way to say tightrope walking.
Example: «I always thought funambulism looked fun—but I’m afraid of heights, so no thanks.»
32. Widdershins
Counterclockwise is rather fun to say, but take things up a notch wonky word-wise when referring to which way you’re heading by saying that your walking widdershins, which is another word for counterclockwise.
Example: «I took a path widdershins through the forest.»
33. Collywobbles
If you’re experiencing stomach pain or queasiness, whether it’s due to illness or anxiety, then you’re feeling collywobbles, a term for that icky feeling.
Example: «I have some collywobbles happening in my tummy.»
34. Quomodocunquizing
While the word looks rather complicated, it’s meaning is simple. Quomodocunquizing is a way to describe something (or someone) who makes money in any way possible.
Example: «He’s a quomodocunquizing businessperson.»
35. Diphthong
When you combine two vowel sounds together in one word to create something a little different, then you’re using a diphthong.
Example: «The sound ‘oy’ in boy or toy is a diphthong. So is the ‘ou’ in you or loud.»
36. Bloviate
If you were given the task of coming up with a word to describe a person who likes to ramble on, then you might opt for something like bloviate, which is the perfect term for your local windbag.
Example: «That guy couldn’t resist bloviating at the party.»
37. Gubbins
While gibbons are the adorable primates that spend their days swinging through the rain forest, gubbins is something totally different. Instead of being cute creatures, they’re miscellaneous bits and pieces or gadgets.
Example: «The drawer is filled with random gubbins.»
38. Blatherskite
There are plenty of terms for people who like to use words to their full extent (or perhaps even overuse language), which is why we also have blatherskite to describe the kind of person who can’t self-edit and cares more about making noise than making sense.
Example: «My ex is a boring blatherskite.»
39. Snollygoster
Any time you cross paths with someone who’s a snollygoster, then it’s time to head in the other direction. Although they may be a person who’s shrewd, they’re also more likely to be the villain than the hero, which means you’ll want to be wary.
Example: «My nemesis is a snollygoster.»
40. Finifugal
Finifugal is not only a fear of finishing things, it’s also the term you can put into use any time you get the desire to prolong a final moment or prevent a seemingly inevitable ending.
Example: «I have a finifugal vibe towards this funniest words article I’m reading on Best Life.
(Last Updated On: July 5, 2022)
In this article, you can find 15 most funny English words that would make you laugh. Some of the words you might be using in your daily conversation. If not, I am sure you would love using these English vocabulary words in your everyday English conversation to sound more interesting and funny. Your listeners would also love listening to you as you use these funny English words in your spoken English.
Do you know certain odd funny words are part of English vocabulary? If you actually use these funny words in your day-to-day life or your chat messages or your e-mails probably your English will certainly sound very decorated. These words are funny but meaningful. In this article, 15 funny English words with their meaning and example sentence showing their use are given for your easy understanding.
1. Blubber
Let’s get started with our first very funny yet very useful word, BLUBBER. It means to cry in a noisy way like a child or to throw tantrums like a child. Of course, it sounds very funny and you may not know what it means unless you use it in a sentence.
Stop blubbering like a two-year-old.
There he sat, cowering against the wall, blubbering like a child.
Oh, stop blubbing! Your knee can’t hurt that much.
My kids have been blubbering since morning.
I have been taking care of the kids they have been blubbering since morning, you take care of them now.
2. Doozy
Moving forward from blubber we have the funny English word doozy which means something special or unusual, especially something unusually bad. If you want to express something that is extraordinarily good or bad you can use a doozy.
For example, if a show was embarrassing or if the host made a few mistakes and you want to just talk to your friend about it. This is how you can say “hey do you remember that show just was a doozy.” You just mean that it was really embarrassing for the host and everyone felt bad about it. It just means really bad or good. Another example is “did you eat french fries at that restaurant? It’s a doozy.” We had one doozy of a contest. You just mean it’s really good and yummy and tasty.
3. Flabbergasted
Next, we have flabbergasted. How funny English word is flabbergasted? It just means you are really astonished or surprised. Feeling shocked, usually because of something you were not expecting. Here are examples for you, which means extremely surprised.
When I checked the price of that dress online I was flabbergasted.
When they announced her name, the winner just sat there, flabbergasted.
She is flabbergasted by the whole affair.
4. Festooned
The fourth funny English word is festooned. This word really sounds like a party word. But festooned actually means to decorate a room or other place for a special occasion by hanging coloured paper, lights, or flowers around it, especially in curves. For example, you can say
The streets are festooned with lights during festivals.
I have festooned my Christmas tree this time.
5. Fuddy-Duddy
Here is another really funny English word Fuddy-Duddy but a very useful word. Fuddy-Duddy is used to say about a person who has old-fashioned ideas and opinions. When you believe in something that is old-fashioned. That is when you say that person is fuddy-duddy.
They think I am an old fuddy-duddy because I don’t approve of tattoos.
6. Gibberish
The next funny English word is gibberish. Meaning – spoken or written words that have no meaning. You might have heard this word before. Do you remember hearing this word ever? When a drunk person speaks, you may say,
I don’t understand what this person wants, he is speaking gibberish.
I was so nervous, that I just started talking gibberish.
Now you might have understood what it means. It just means a language that no one can understand.
7. Shenanigans
Moving from gibberish another funny English word is shenanigans. Meaning – secret or dishonest activities, usually of a complicated and humorous or interesting type. Means problematic activities or tricks that some people do. For example, you can say,
You have to stop all this and need to start working otherwise your shenanigans are going to get you into trouble”
All of you stop with your shenanigans.
8. Squabble
Another funny English word is squabble, means an argument over something that is not important. It just means fighting and that too for a very small reason, for very stupid something. You can say,
My parents have been squabbling since morning.
Stop squabbling about where to eat. Let’s just go and find a place to eat.
They were having a squabble about who was going to hold the dog’s lead.
9. Wishy-Washy
Have you ever heard the funny English word wishy-washy? This word means having no colour, firm ideas, principles, or noticeable qualities of any type. Means someone who is very confused while making decisions.
Don’t be wishy-washy about what you want to eat just be calm and decide something very simple.
The candidate gave a few unsatisfactory wishy-washy answers.
You have to stop being wishy-washy about your decisions. (That means you have to stop being indecisive.)
10. Hodgepodge
The last funny English word is hodgepodge means untidy. A confusing mixture of different things.
Do you have a table which is completely hodgepodge?
Is your wardrobe completely hodgepodge?
11. Bamboozle
Bamboozle is really a funny English word. Meaning – to trick or deceive someone, often by confusing them. Why bamboozle is funny? Because you may not find a person saying this word with the serious facial expression you would have after being bamboozled.
She was bamboozled into telling them her credit card number.
12. Brouhaha
The word Brouhaha is a funny English word. Meaning – a lot of noise or angry complaining about something. Why brouhaha is funny? Because the ‘Haha’ (laugh) is literally already built into it. It is practically impossible to say out loud brouhaha without cracking a smile.
There was a big brouhaha when the town council decided to close the park.
13. Goggle
Don’t get confused with this funny English word Goggle with Google. Meaning – to look with your eyes wide open because you are surprised. Another meaning is close-fitting glasses with side shields. (You might have heard and used Goggle in this meaning.) Why Goggle is funny? Because when a person goggles at something, their eyes are really big and they look a bit silly. Sometimes they goggle with their mouth open.
The cathedral was full of goggling tourists.
14. Nincompoop
Nincompoop is a very funny English word. Meaning – a foolish or stupid person. Even though calling someone nincompoop is an insult it is just funny.
15. Malarkey
Malarkey is another funny English word. Meaning – silly behaviour, nonsense, rubbish. Why malarkey is funny? Because malarkey is a hilariously nonsensical word which describes something rubbish.
I like socializing but I can’t be bothered with dressing up and all that malarkey.
Conclusion
Hope that you enjoyed reading these words. This is not a complete list, just a few words found and selected. You might have heard or used some of these funny English words. Don’t think these words are just funny but are very useful and meaningful words. Funny is only in the sense of reading and pronouncing.
Related articles
- Secret And Effective Study Hacks | How To Score Highest In Exams
- How To Solve Study Problems Of Students?
- 5 Easy Ways To Improve Concentration On Study
- Easy Ways To Overcome Laziness In Studying
Do you like to share more words like this?
Thank you for the visit. Hope you enjoyed your reading.
Kindly share this article on your network and help others to read it.
Please leave your views about this article in the comments box and don’t forget to follow our site.
References: Cambridge Dictionary English
Mathukutty P. V. is the founder of Simply Life Tips. He is a Blogger, Content Writer, Influencer, and YouTuber. He is passionate about learning new skills. He is the Director of PokketCFO.
He lives with the notion of “SIMPLE LIVING, CREATIVE THINKING”. He Believes – “Sharing is caring.” and “Learning never ends.”
Funny words are fun to say. This is a collection of funny words and their meanings. Drop them into your every day vocabulary and make everyday life a bit more fun. Add your favorite funny word in the comments!
Bumfuzzle — To confuse someone.
Lollygag — To dawdle or be overly slow.
Nudiustertian — The recent past (literally “the day before yesterday”).
Brouhaha — An overexcited response.
Batrachomyomachy — To make a mountain out of a molehill.
Cattywampus — Disorganized, when something is not arranged correctly.
Flibbertigibbet — A flakey, overly talkative person.
Quire — The leaves within a manuscript.
Absquatulate — To suddenly leave.
Billingsgate — Rough language filled with profanity.
Borborygm — A word for the noise your stomach makes when it rumbles.
Gardyloo — A warning shouted before water or waste is thrown from above.
Malarkey — Nonsense.
Ratoon — A sprout in a crop plant.
Comeuppance — A fate or punishment that someone deserves.
Boustrophedon — A kind of ancient writing that is written right to left and left to right in alternate lines.
Bowyang — A strap that holds pants up.
Pandiculation — The way your torso stretches when you are tired or yawning.
Yarborough — A weak hand in contract bridge.
Donnybrook — An uproarious argument.
Anencephalous — Absence of all or part of a brain.
Snickersnee — A large knife.
Sialoquent — Spraying saliva while speaking.
Xertz — To drink or eat quickly or greedily.
Nincompoop — A stupid, useless person.
Canoodle — To cuddle or get close to.
Godwottery — Overelaborate style of speech or gardening.
Gonzo — Far out journalism.
Cantankerous — Overly argumentative or uncooperative.
Widdershins — Counterclockwise.
Wabbit — A computing term related to a type of denial of service attack.
Cockamamie — Implausible.
Goombah — An older, protective friend or associate.
Hobbledehoy — A young, clumsy person.
Hocus-pocus — Nonsense or sleight of hand.
Codswallop — Nonsense.
Lickety-split — ASAP.
Mollycoddle — To treat someone in a pampered manner.
Mugwump — A person who is aloof or truly independent in political matters.
Collop — A slice of roasted meat.
Namby-pamby — A person lacking energy and courage.
Ornery — Crabby.
Pettifogger — An inferior lawyer with dubious practices.
Rigmarole — A long, rambling statement.
Collywobbles — Anxiety and stomach queasiness.
Shenanigan — A mischevious activity.
Skedaddle — Depart quickly.
Smellfungus — A habitual fault-finder.
Snool — To bully someone into submission.
Snollygoster — A shrewd, unprincipled person.
Zoanthropy — A person who believes they have transformed into an animal.
Crapulence — A light weight, someone who gets sick while drinking.
Doozy — Something outstanding, not normal.
Gubbins — The parts of fish that are generally thrown away and not consumed.
Erinaceous — Something that looks like a hedgehog.
Pauciloquent — Someone who doesn’t speak a lot, or is especially brief when they talk.
Fard — Excessively made up.
Fatuous — Silly and pointless.
Abibliophobia — The fear of running out of reading material.
Bibble — Software that converts raw images.
Bloviate — To talk in a lengthy, inflated manner.
Fuddy-duddy — A person who is old-fashioned or fussy.
Bumbershoot — An umbrella.
Impignorate — To pawn something.
Gobbledygook — Language that is so overly-technical and complicated it’s unintelligible.
Troglodyte — A person who lives in a cave.
Vomitory — An entrance or exit in a theater or ampitheater.
Add your favorite funny word in the comments! 
Some words in English are meant to make us laugh. These words not only appear to be strange and weird but make you giggle and laugh. Such words can be called funny words. The use of such words will surely entertain your readers and is bound to keep them on their toes! So if you are interested in exploring such words you are at the right place!
- Short Funny Words in English | Random Funny Words to Say
- Other Funny Words in English
- What are funny words?
- Give some examples of random funny words?
- Give some funny words that start with the letter w?
Short Funny Words in English | Random Funny Words to Say
Given below is a list of funny words that you might have known before. Start exploring them and expand your vocabulary base and lighten up the mood of your conversations easily. They are along the lines
- Bumfuzzle- refers to being confused.
- Fartlek- activity runners do when they alternate between sprinting and jogging.
- Everywhen- Means “always”
- Erf- plot of land
- Hullabaloo- can be used to refer to a commotion
- Meldrop- mucus from a person’s nose
- Sozzled- Refers to a drunkard
- Bumbershoot- another word for umbrella
- Titter- Alternative to the words giggle or laugh.
- Bamboozled- Refers to being tricked.
- Noob- refers to an inexperienced person.
- Teazel- refers to a herb with a flower head.
- Aloof- refers to a person who is not friendly
- Doozy- Refers to something that is not normal.
Other Funny Words in English
A few other silly words to say are given below for your reference. Use them in your English Conversations and make your conversations sound confident.
- comeuppance
- concoction
- conniption
- contraband
- conundrum
- convivial
- copacetic
- corkscrew
- cornucopia
- cowabunga
- coxcomb
- crackerjack
- crescendo
- crestfallen
- cryptozoology
- cuckoo
- curlicue
- curmudgeon
- demitasse
- denouement
- derecho
- desperado
- abracadabra
- accoutrements
- adagio
- aficionado
- agita
- agog
- akimbo
- alfresco
- ambrosial
- amok
- ampersand
- anemone
- anthropomorphic
- antimacassar
- fandango
- festooned
- fez
- fiasco
- fiddle-footed
- fiddlesticks
- finicky
- firebrand
- fishwife
- fisticuffs
- flabbergasted
- flapdoodle
- flibbertigibbet
- flimflam
- flippant
- floccinaucinihilipilification
- flophouse
- flotsam
- flummery
- flummoxed
- flyaway
- flyspeck
- folderol
- foofaraw
- foolhardy
- foolscap
- footloose
- fopdoodle
- fortuitous
- fracas
- frangipani
- freewheeling
- fricassee
- frippery
- frogman
- froufrou
- fuddy-duddy
- fussbudget
- futz
- gadfly
- gadzooks
- gallimaufry
- gambit
- gangplank
- gangway
- gargoyle
- gasbag
- gazebo
- gazpacho
- gewgaw
- genteel
- ghostwriter
- gibberish
- gimcrack
- gizmo
- glabella
- glitch
- globetrotter
- gobbledygook
- aplomb
- apogee
- apoplectic
- appaloosa
- apparatus
- archipelago
- atingle
- avuncular
- azure
- babushka
- bailiwick
- bafflegab
- balderdash
- ballistic
- diaphanous
- diddly-squat
- digeridoo
- dilemma
- dillydally
- dimwit
- diphthong
- dirigible
- discombobulated
- dodecahedron
- doldrums
- donkeyman
- donnybrook
- doodad
- doohickey
- doppelganger
- dumbfounded
- dumbwaiter
- dunderhead
- earwig
- eavesdrop
- ebullient
- effervescence
- egads
- eggcorn
- wipeout
- wiseacre
- wisecrack
- wisenheimer
- wishy-washy
- woebegone
- wonky
- woozy
- wordplay
- wordsmith
- wunderkind
- wuthering
- xylophone
- yahoo
- yokel
- yo-yo
- zaftig
- zeitgeist
- zenzizenzizenzic (yes, this is a word!)
- zephyr
- zeppelin
- ziggurat
- zigzag
- zonked
- zoom
See More:
- Words to Use Instead of VERY
- Tone Words
FAQs on Funny English Words
1. What are funny words?
Some words in English are meant to make us laugh. These words not only appear to be strange and weird, but make you giggle and laugh. Such words can be called funny words.
2. Give some examples of random funny words?
Some of the common funny words that appear in English include: finagle, fandango, ambrosial, etc.
3. Give some funny words that start with the letter w?
Funny words that begin with w include whirligig, whirlybird, whizbang, whodunit, etc.
Conclusion
Funny words are fun to say. These words just make you laugh, even though you might not be aware of why you laugh. The strange way they appear and sound is what makes you giggle and laugh. Using them in your everyday vocabulary makes everyday life a bit more fun. So make sure to add them to your everyday interactions.
These are the words that I find the most fun to use, whether it be in speaking or writing, and by sprinkling a few of them into your daily vocabulary, you will almost certainly add humor to your life.
It is not an exhaustive list, nor is the definition of “fun” based on anything other than my own amusement, but I hope you will enjoy it nonetheless.
1. Howdy
Howdy is an informal greeting that is generally associated with Texas and other southwestern states. This particularly fun word can be used to spice up greetings with close friends and acquaintances.
“Howdy, partner. How about you and I take a trip to the rodeo this afternoon.”
2. Palsy-Walsy
Palsy-walsy is an adjective that describes someone or something that is very friendly or intimate. Believe it or not, this phrase is almost 100 years old; the first recorded usage was in the 1930s.
“I’m palsy-walsy with all my coworkers. We get dinner outside of the office every Thursday night.”
3. Scrumptious
Scrumptious means tasty or delicious. Your favorite dish or an extremely pleasant meal could be described as “scrumptious.”
“The lobster with the lemon butter was scrumptious.”
4. Lollygag
Lollygag means to loaf about or act lazily. This fun verb is both a treat to use and to do – especially when you have important things to take care of.
“The reports are due today, but we’ll lollygag for a few hours before we get started; I say it’s the perfect work-life balance.”
5. Indubitably
The adjective form of this word, indubitable, means unquestionable or certain. Indubitably is the adverb form, which is more fun to say and can be used to express certainty about an action.
“Aaron Judge will indubitably hit a home run against the Red Sox during the game on Thursday.”
6. Fantastical
Fantastical describes something that is like a fantasy: imaginary. For the most part, people enjoy works of fantasy, and so the term has taken on a positive meaning.
“She had a beautiful, fairy-tale wedding. It was fantastical.”
7. Funky
Funky is an adjective that has two primary definitions:
First, it describes a rhythm or music – think of the funk genre. Second, it is used to characterize a strange, musty smell.
Regardless of how you use it, funky will always be fun to say.
“The mixture of sweat, deodorant, and cologne gave the men’s locker room a funky smell.”
8. Serendipity
Serendipity is a fortunate coincidence or happy accident. If you find yourself in a serendipitous situation, then things are probably going very well.
“Serendipity proved once again to be John’s close friend: he had not studied for the test, but luckily for him, the professor canceled class at the last minute.
9. Bodacious
Bodacious means excellent, admirable, or attractive. You can use this word to depict a number of pleasant objects or experiences.
“I bought the car at a bodacious price – 50% off!”
10. Bonkers
To call something bonkers is to say that it is crazy or unbelievable.
“Are you bonkers? Everyone knows that Interstellar is Matthew McConaughey’s best movie; not How To Lose A Guy In 10 Days.”
11. Rad
Rad, or radical, is another way to call something cool, awesome, or great. While this word is used less today than it was in the 1980s and 1990s, it still retains its fun.
“The new Porsche body style is rad.”
12. Frazzle
A frazzled person is someone who is anxious, tired, worn down, or fatigued. It derives its meaning from frayed rope or fabric. While the definition possesses a negative connotation, the word is still great fun to roll off the tongue.
“Ms. Smith’s energetic third grade class wore her down to a frazzle at the day’s end.”
13. Dazzle
If something dazzles you, you are either overpowered with a brilliant light or deeply impressed. This word is both fun to say and a good addition to your vocabulary.
“The rendition of the Nutcracker was a dazzling performance despite the dancer’s frazzled appearance.”
A dazzling light
14. Quack
Quack can mean the sound a duck makes or a meritless medical doctor. The former definition always makes for good fun to imitate while the latter is used as an insult.
“Doctor Morris prescribed snake oil for your cough? He might be a quack.”
15. Tummy
Tummy is another word for stomach or abdomen. The term is usually reserved for children to use, but it is still fun to say when trying to vary your vocabulary.
“That pasta was yummy in my tummy.”
16. Sizzle
Sizzle is the sound certain objects make when exposed to heat – particularly food. The example that comes to mind most often is bacon. This word is classified as an onomatopoeia because its pronunciation mimics the sound it describes.
“The bacon fat sizzled when I placed it on the pan.”
Bacon sizzling in a pan. Can you hear it?
17. Jiggle
Merriam-Webster defines jiggle as a verb meaning “to cause to move with quick little jerks or oscillating motions.” Jiggle is a delight to use humorously.
“John tapped the Jell-O with his spoon and watched it jiggle back and forth.”
18. Rambunctious
Rambunctious means full of energy or difficult to control. This word is most commonly used to describe energetic children.
“Ms. Smith did not have the energy to keep up with her rambunctious students.”
19. Saucy
If you’re European, a saucy person might mean that you’ve met someone rude or disrespectful. If you’re in North America, a saucy individual might be bold and well-dressed.
“Did you see John’s new jacket? That saucy fellow looks sharp.”
20. Eureka
Eureka is an exclamation of great satisfaction or relief. According to legend, the term was shouted by the ancient Greek mathematician Archimedes when he discovered a method of determining the purity of gold.
“Eureka! I’ve discovered the cure to the common cold.”
Eureka! That’s a great idea.
21. Golly
Golly, like eureka, is an exclamation. It is used to express delight, surprise, or disappointment in a situation. You can consider it a one-stop shop for exclamations, although it has fallen out of use in recent times.
“Golly! Did you get me a bicycle for my birthday? I sure appreciate that.”
22. Sloshed
Sloshed is a word that you would use to describe inebriated friends. Think of it as a step above drunk but not quite at the level of a college fraternity party. This word is fun to use, although you may regret it the next morning.
“After three beers I’ll be sloshed. I’m a lightweight when it comes to alcohol.”
23. Flabbergasted
Flabbergasted means greatly surprised.
“I was flabbergasted by the party. It was a perfect surprise – I was speechless.”
24. Jeez
Jeez, like golly, is an exclamation that has fallen out of use lately, but it is still fun to say for its unique pronunciation. It is primarily used for expressing mild surprise or annoyance.
“Jeez-Louise! Those bagel bites are hot. I think I burnt my tongue.”
25. Scoundrel
A scoundrel is a dishonest or immoral person. While you can probably think of other names to describe such individuals, this word is both forceful, descriptive, and full of character. Consider adding it to your vocabulary.
“Doctor Morris stole funds from the hospital? That scoundrel!”
26. Boogie
Boogie got its start as a style of blues, but now it is used as a general term for dance. Boogie is another word of a bygone era, but don’t let that stop you from hitting the dance floor.
“I boogied all night at Dave’s wedding.”
27. Scoot
Scoot is a verb that means to slide or move over. If you want a seat on a bench, you might ask someone to scoot over to make room.
“Would you mind scooting over so I could sit? There’s still no space; keep scooting. Scoot scoot scoot. That’s perfect, thank you.”
28. Chic
Chic means well dressed and fashionable. A wardrobe that consists of designer clothes would be considered chic.
“His faux-ostrich-hide-pleather belt was designed in Milan. It’s so chic.”
29. Scandalous
Scandalous is a word used to describe an event as outrageous, offensive, or in poor taste. While the word retains its serious meaning, it has developed a light-hearted connotation in some situations.
30. Aficionado
An aficionado is a person who is an expert in their past time, hobby, or subject matter. This is a great term to use when you need a synonym for expert or connoisseur.
“Addison, a true chocolate aficionado, can name every Swiss and German chocolatier in business today.”
31. Jubilee
A jubilee is an event celebrating 25 (silver), 40 (ruby), 50 (golden), 60 (diamond), 65 (sapphire), and 70 (platinum) years of activity. You may have heard this word used during the Queen of England’s platinum jubilee, which she celebrated in early 2022. This is a fantastic term for adding elegance to milestones in your life.
“My grandmother and grandfather celebrate their golden jubilee anniversary in March. They’ve been married for 50 years.
The Queen of England’s platinum jubilee celebration
32. Juicy
Juicy describes a food that is full of liquid or moisture. It can also be used to describe an interesting piece of gossip.
“Oranges are juiciest when they’re freshly picked.”
33. Phalanges
The definition of phalanges might be mundane, but no one can deny how fun it is to say it. In anatomy, it is another word for the bone of a finger or toe. In other contexts, it can refer to a formation of police or troops.
“What’s the deal with chicken fingers? Do they even have phalanges?”
34. Gooey
Gooey is an adjective that defines an object as soft and sticky. Most people, excluding children, dislike touching gooey substances.
“I made gooey slime for my science fair project. Ah gross, it’s stuck to my fingers.”
35. Sham
A sham is something that is falsely portrayed or a lie. This can be a fun word to use when expressing annoyance at being deceived.
“That two-for-one deal was a sham. The cost came out to be the exact same.”
36. Bamboozle
To be bamboozled means you were fooled or tricked. Most people would not use this word today, but it could be a silly alternative to create a lively conversation.
“How was I to know that he was a card sharp? I can’t believe he bamboozled out of $50 bucks with those tricks.”
37. Shenanigans
A shenanigan is a fun word used to describe a prank or mischievous behavior. Despite being considered an outdated word, it is used more today than when it was first coined in the mid-1800s. Don’t expect to hear it in serious conversation, although it may pop up when people are in a playful mood.
Darius is up to his shenanigans again; he unscrewed the cap to the salt and pepper shakers.”
38. Jibber-Jabber
Jibber-jabber is another archaic phrase that is making a comeback. It means to quickly talk back and forth or to talk on an unimportant subject.
“Enough jibber-jabber. Let’s get down to business; these stock prices aren’t going to discuss themselves.”
39. Jabberwocky
Jabberwocky is an invented, nonsensical, or meaningless language. The term was coined by Lewis Carrol in his poem by the same name. It is an interesting word that can be used to describe anything that you find to be nonsense.
’Twas brillig, and the slithy toves
Did gyre and gimble in the wabe:
All mimsy were the borogoves,
And the mome raths outgrabe.
— The first stanza of the Jabberwocky by Lewis Carrol
40. Malarkey
Some readers may recognize this word from our “Joe Biden Teaches Slang” article. Check it out if you haven’t already. Anyway, malarkey is an expression used to describe something as disingenuous or nonsense.
“The Earth is flat you say? As a NASA scientist, I think that’s total malarkey’”
41. Catawampus
This fun-sounding word has a beastly definition: it describes an imaginary, fierce, and wild animal. According to Merriam-Webster, it can also mean to go askew or awry.
“I planned a surprise party for Sarah, but things went catawampus when Jake spilled the beans during breakfast.”
42. Stupendous
Stupendous is used to praise something as fantastic, great, or impressive.
“Our pilot landed the plane in a hurricane. That was stupendous flying on his part.”
43. Frolic
If you ask Oxford Languages what it means to frolic, it will tell you that frolicking is to “play or move about cheerfully, excitedly, or energetically. Frolicking means the same thing as lollicking and rollicking, in case you were wondering.
“I felt fantastic yesterday in the ocean air; I frolicked on the beach as if I were a child again.”
A child frolicking on the beach
44. Boisterous
A boisterous person will be loud, rowdy, and (hopefully) cheerful. When describing the weather, boisterous means extremely windy. You now have a fun word to use for your rambunctious friends or for a particularly breezy day.
“I love going to hockey games with Randy. His boisterous persona helps the players get their heads in the game.”
45. Pandowdy
Pandowdy is a type of baked good that closely resembles an apple pie. You may not have any use for this word unless you work at a bakery, but I would encourage everyone to work it into a sentence at least once a day.
“I could use a spiced apple dessert. Anyone up for a pandowdy.”
46. Bonanza
Our friends at Merriam-Webster tell us that bonanza has two definitions: The first is narrow and related to mining: “an exceptionally large and rich mineral deposit.” The second, broader definition derives its meaning from the first. It means “something that is very valuable, profitable, and rewarding.” Bonanza is also an American western TV show that aired from 1959 to 1973.
“The mattress sale bonanza ends today. Go now to get a great discount before it’s too late.”
47. Pawky
Pawky is a term used to describe someone with a shrewd or cynical sense of humor. If you know a person that is witty in their criticisms, you can accurately call them pawky.
“Mohammad’s pawky remarks about the movie’s poor plot had the car roaring with laughter.”
48. Peewee
Peewee means tiny or small. It is usually reserved for describing children, and in particular, children’s sports leagues. The usage can be stretched to cover anything you find tiny, and using this word will bring you more than a peewee amount of laughter.
“Hey John, I heard your son won a peewee league trophy. I didn’t know they let 4-year-olds play basketball.”
49. Groovy
Groovy is a word synonymous with the 70s and hippie culture. When you call something groovy, you are saying that it is “awesome” or “fantastic”.
“Hey, I heard you started a new band. That’s groovy.”
Now that’s a groovy van
50. Piffle
Piffle is an interesting word because it is a noun that means nonsense. This definition combined with the parts of speech leads to some hilarious sentences.
“Fred’s piffle about the anatomy of chickens and the lack of fingers is starting to make sense, I think.”
51. Ragamuffin
A ragamuffin is a child that is dressed in ragged or dirty clothes.
“Melissa you’ve worn that outfit for four days in a row. You’re starting to look like a ragamuffin.”
52. Rhapsody
Rhapsody has two definitions: an outburst of emotional feeling, and a poem in ancient Greek culture meant to be recited, at least in part, during one sitting. This word could be a fun way for you to describe the singing you do in the car.
“With tears in my eyes, I rhapsodized to the crowd about the need to be a more caring society.”
53. Worrywart
True to its name, a worrywart is a person who worries excessively or unnecessarily. Be sure to add this to your vocabulary if you have an over-worrier in your life. Plus, worrywart is an alliteration, and alliterations are always fun to use.
“Of course, I’ll wear a helmet when I ride my motorcycle. Don’t be such a worrywart.”
54. Persnickety
Persnickety characterizes a person who is fussy or finicky over small things. Perhaps you know a persnickety eater who needs every meal to be perfect.
“Jennifer’s persnickety approach to car interior ensures that it stays as clean as the day she bought it.”
55. Rapscallion
A rapscallion is a mischievous person. This could describe a prankster or a more serious hooligan, but either way, it is a great word to keep around.
“Hannah, the little rapscallion, put a whoopie cushion under my chair.”
56. Pettifog
Returning to our trusted Merriam-Webster definitions, pettifogging is “to quibble over petty details” and “to engage in legal chicanery.” While no one knows what chicanery means, we all understand petty quibbling. Use this word to at least make the pettifogging fun.
“We pettifogged all night about the contract. She wanted to sign her name first, but I absolutely would not stand for it.”
57. Bungalow
A bungalow is a small, one-story house, cottage, or hut. This word is a must for anyone looking to spice up their vocabulary. Say it a few times in a sing-song voice to get the full effect.
“Despite the millions of dollars she made selling her textile company, the former CEO refused to live an exorbitant lifestyle of fast cars and big mansions, instead opting for a bungalow on the beach.
58. Dongle
Dongle is a hilarious word for no other reason than the sound it makes. What is a dongle you may ask? It is an adaptor device of sorts that connects to other devices and increases their functionality. If you own an iPhone, you probably received a dongle that connects the lighting port to a headphone jack
“Did someone borrow my dongle? I need that back or else I can’t listen to jams in my car.”
Items that could be classified as dongles
59. Banjo
Many people are familiar with a banjo: it is a stringed instrument that resembles a guitar and is played by plucking and strumming. It is featured most often in American folk music. What makes this a fun word to use, and why you should add it to your vocabulary, is that it is the most unique name for an instrument in the English language – at least in my opinion.
“The rustic twangs of the banjo are a staple at the county fair, where live music is performed by members of the Appalachian community.”
60. Rascal
Rascal is a term used to affectionately describe a misbehaved child.
“Ah those little rascals – they tracked mud through the house again, but I still love them.”
Want to learn more?
If you want to learn more funny English words, head over to the ReDefiners website and check our English classes! We offer courses for both children and adults. Our unique curriculum specializes in teaching language through online courses and group class conversations. You can begin learning immediately by signing up for classes twice a week and participating in group sessions for real, practical conversation experience. We offer classes in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Arabic. For more information, please visit our online program page or email us at info@redefinerswl.org.
The English language is pretty much weirder than every other language. It has a myriad of funny words to say and usage rules that can be very confusing. For example, if the plural of tooth is teeth, shouldn’t the plural of booth be beeth? How can a slim chance and a fat chance be the same, while a wise guy and a wise man are opposites?
Why Are There Funny English Words?
I’m just scratching the surface when it comes to the contradicting rules and confusing spellings that the English language possesses. Between unique words, confusing idioms, old weird words, and “gibberish” in general, there’s no shortage of funny words in the English language. Some of these silly words are the stuff of a spelling bee champion’s nightmares, while others are just generally funny to look at when written down on paper.
Speaking of weird words, English also has some pretty funny words to say out loud.
Funny Words to Say Out Loud
Reading ridiculous words is one thing, but saying silly words out loud is something else entirely. Here is our list of the 27 craziest words to say in the English language:
1. Ayahuasca – A hallucinogenic brew made from the Brazilian plant Banisteriopsis caapi. This brew is often used to treat different central nervous system disorders.
2. Ballyhoo – This funny sounding word is when someone makes a desperate attempt to win customers through blatant advertising or publicity. Now the next time you see a company trying too hard, you can appropriately call them a ballyhoo.
3. Bifurcate – To divide something in half, or fork into two branches. Impress your significant other at your next dinner date as you bifurcate your dessert to share.
4. Bunghole – A hole in a cask, barrel, etc., through which liquid can be poured or drained. Like most adolescent youths, most people associate this funny word with potty humor, but now you can find new ways to use this funny word next time you pour your favorite drink.
5. Dingus – An object whose name is unknown or forgotten. This is perfect for asking what the name of that dingus was, or what the dingus in the corner is called.
6. Echinococcus – This funny word just sounds gross, and for good reason! It means any number of tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus whose larvae are parasitic in animals or humans. Here’s hoping the food at Chipotle doesn’t give you echinococcus.
7. Flibbertigibbet – A flighty, irresponsible, silly, or gossipy person. Who’s the flibbertigibbet in your group of friends? Hopefully, it’s not you.
8. Frippery – Is the floor frippery? Whoops, wrong funny word. Frippery means ornate, pretentious, snobby elegant, or something trivial. The pageantry of the Oscars, for example, is frippery.
9. Frou-frou – The rustling sound a dress makes. Since this weird word was created in 1870, it makes sense that this was such an issue that they created a word for it. In today’s age, not so much.
10. Geebung – Small trees or shrubs in Australia or New Zealand, which have small white or yellow flowers and edible fruit. I’m sure Frodo Baggins ate some geebung on his travels to Mordor.
11. Harum-scarum – This funny word to say out loud is a person who lacks a sense of responsibility, and who is careless or reckless. I think Hell’s Angels should change their name, don’t you?
12. Jackanapes – A conceited and impertinent person, a mischievous child, or a monkey. My toddler sure is a jackanapes.
13. Kibitzer – Do you hate it when people you drive with tell you how to drive? Being a backseat driver is the definition of this funny word to say. So, when I’m driving, stop being such a kibitzer!
14. Mollycoddle – I think most wives and girlfriends can understand this weird word better than anyone. A mollycoddle is a man or boy who is used to being coddled or pampered. Sorry guys, I know we are all guilty of being a mollycoddle.
15. Namby-pamby – A person, sentiment or thing that is weak, indecisive, or feeble. Calling a foul when a player flops in the NBA is a pretty namby-pamby rule in my opinion.
16. Piffle – Nonsense, or speaking feebly or futilely. This silly word was created in 1847 and is thought to be an alteration of piddle with a puff of air.
17. Quagmire – While this is the name of one of Peter’s best friends in the popular sitcom Family Guy, quagmire means a difficult or precarious situation. Giggity giggity goo!
18. Ragamuffin – I remember my mother using this crazy English word to describe me as a child. Ragamuffin is someone in rags or dirty clothes.
19. Rubaboo – A soup made from boiling meat paste with vegetables and flour. I wonder if Gordon Ramsey makes a good rubaboo?
20. Scalawag – A rascal. Try saying this funny word out loud without sounding like a pirate. Arrrrgh!
21. Teetotaler – If you abstain from drinking alcoholic liquor, then you my friend are a teetotaler.
22. Titter – A nervous laugh or snicker. Please try to stop tittering when your boss asks you to do something, OK?
23. Umpteen – A large but unspecified number or amount. For the umpteenth time, I don’t know why we can’t be more specific when describing numbers or amounts.
24. Wampum – This funny word to say makes me think of the snow creature that freezes Luke upside down in a cave on Hoth. Wampum are small cylindrical beads made from shells that have been polished. It is believed that wampum was used as currency and jewelry by ancient Native American peoples.
25. Whirligig – Something that revolves or whirls. The carousel at the county fair is a whirligig.
26. Williwaw – Violent winds that blow in polar latitudes, such as the Strait of Magellan. I’ll make sure I watch out for the williwaws on my next Alaskan cruise.
27. Yitten – To be frightened. My wife gets very yitten when we watch scary movies. Seriously, she hates them.
Know Any Other Weird Words to Say in English?
We hope you enjoyed this list of funny words to say and that you literally tried to say each of them out loud. Were there any other funny words you feel should have made our list? Let us know any other funny English words in the comments below!