Humour is a universal language, but understanding a joke in a foreign language can be a tricky endeavor. Today, we will dissect a classic English joke, explore why it’s amusing, and learn some new vocabulary in the process.
Let’s start with the joke:
Question: Why don’t scientists trust atoms?
Answer: Because they make up everything!
Before we laugh, let’s break this joke down.
The first line is a question that sets up the punchline. Here, it presents a peculiar claim that scientists, who work with atoms extensively, do not trust them. The humour comes from the absurdity of the premise.
The punchline, “Because they make up everything!” carries a double meaning, which is the heart of this joke.
- The literal meaning: Atoms are the basic units of matter and indeed “make up” all things in the physical universe.
- The idiomatic meaning: The phrase “make up” is also an idiom meaning to fabricate or lie about something.
So the joke is that atoms are untrustworthy because they “make up” or “lie” about everything. The humor comes from the pun on “make up”, and the surprising twist of attributing human characteristics (like lying) to inanimate atoms.
Now, let’s dive into some key vocabulary:
- Atom (n.): The smallest unit of a chemical element that retains the properties of that element.
- Scientists (n.): People who conduct scientific research to advance knowledge in an area of interest.
- Trust (n.): Belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something.
- Make up (phrasal verb): A phrase with two meanings: a) to compose or constitute, and b) to invent a story or lie.
- Everything (pron.): All things; all the things of a group or class.
Sample usages:
- Atom: “Water molecules are made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.”
- Scientists: “Scientists are working tirelessly to find a cure for the disease.”
- Trust: “I trust her; she has always been honest with me.”
- Make up: a) “Different cultures make up our diverse society.” b) “He likes to make up stories about his adventures.”
- Everything: “Everything in this store is on sale.”
Understanding humour in a new language is a significant achievement. It indicates not just a grasp of vocabulary, but also an understanding of cultural nuances and wordplay. So laugh on, language learners, and use humour as another tool in your English learning journey! And, of course, try the quiz!
#1. Use ‘tickled pink’ in a sentence.
#2. What does the word ‘mirth’ mean?
#3. What does ‘tickled pink’ mean?
#4. Use ‘mirth’ in a sentence.
#5. Use ‘laughter’ in a sentence.
#6. What does the word ‘pun’ mean?
#7. What is the meaning of the idiom ‘crack a joke’?
#8. Use ‘crack a joke’ in a sentence.
#9. What does ‘laughter’ mean?
#10. Which of these is an example of a pun?
Results
Great job! This is no laughing matter!
Good try. Maybe the joke was too funny. Try reviewing your notes and giving it another go.
