Funny jokes to tell your friends that will make them cry laughing LOL

These hilarious jokes, puns, and one-liners are perfect for adults and kids alike.

Illustration by Febrina Tiara

By Adila Ghina and Yuni Utomo

Laughter is one of the best ways to connect with friends—and what better way to make everyone laugh than with a good joke? Whether you're looking to break the ice at a party, lighten the mood after a tough day, or simply entertain your buddies during a hangout, having a few funny jokes to tell your friends in your back pocket is essential. In this collection, we bring you hilarious jokes, one-liners, and groan-worthy puns that are sure to bring smiles, chuckles, and even belly laughs.

This list has something for everyone—from short jokes and knock-knock jokes to clever one-liners and dad jokes so cheesy, you'll want to share them just to hear your friends groan. Plus, we've included expert joke-telling tips from stand-up comic Kendall Payne and voice coach Patrick Muñoz to help you deliver each punchline perfectly.

Classic funny jokes to tell your friends

Some jokes never go out of style. These are the timeless punchlines that have been making people laugh for decades. Classic jokes are simple, clever, and always hit the mark.

• How many actors does it take to change a lightbulb? Only one. They don’t like to share the spotlight.
• How many chiropractors does it take to change a lightbulb? One—but it’ll take six visits.
• What do you call a chicken crossing the road? Poultry in motion.
• Why didn’t the chicken cross the road? Because she was chicken.
• A neutron walks into a bar and asks, “How much for a beer?” The bartender says, “For you, no charge.”
• Comic Sans, Helvetica, and Times New Roman walk into a bar. The bartender says, “Get out—we don’t serve your type.”

These classics are easy to memorize and deliver, making them great jokes to tell your friends in any setting.

Short jokes that pack a punch

Short jokes are all about speed and surprise. The quick setup and unexpected punchline make them perfect for catching your friends off guard.

• Where do pirates get their hooks? Second-hand shops.
• I never knew what happiness was until I got married… and then it was too late.
• Why did the bullet lose its job? It got fired.
• Why did the bicycle collapse? It was two-tired.
• My IQ results came back… they were negative.

These short zingers are ideal for group chats, text messages, or breaking an awkward silence at the dinner table.

Clever one-liners your friends will love

One-liners are the bread and butter of stand-up comedy. They’re snappy, memorable, and often full of wit.

• I’ve failed math more times than I can count.
• I used to have a handle on life, but then it broke.
• The problem with kleptomaniacs is that they always take things literally.
• My wife hit the ceiling when she found out I replaced our bed with a trampoline.
• Russian dolls are so full of themselves.

You can toss these clever lines into conversations to keep your friends laughing without skipping a beat.

Knock-knock jokes for guaranteed giggles

There’s something about knock-knock jokes that makes them universally funny. Their familiar rhythm makes the punchline even more satisfying.

• Knock, knock.
  Who’s there?
  Figs.
  Figs who?
  Figs the doorbell—it’s not working!

• Knock, knock.
  Who’s there?
  Nobel.
  Nobel who?
  No-bell… that’s why I knocked!

• Knock, knock.
  Who’s there?
  Cow says.
  Cow says who?
  No, cow says moo!

These funny jokes to tell your friends are family-friendly, so even kids can get in on the laughs.

Corny dad jokes to make your friends groan

Dad jokes are predictable, punny, and perfectly awful—in the best way possible. These jokes walk the fine line between cringe and comedy gold.

• I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug.
• Why don’t eggs tell jokes? They might crack up.
• I used to work at a calendar factory but got fired for taking days off.
• What do you call a snowman with a six-pack? An abdominal snowman.
• How do you catch a squirrel? Climb a tree and act like a nut.

Whether you’re actually a dad or just have dad-joke energy, these gems are too cheesy to resist.

Delightfully bad jokes that are so lame, they’re funny

Some jokes are just plain bad—and that's the point. Their absurdity makes them funny in a roundabout way, especially when you deliver them with confidence.

• How do celebrities stay cool? They have so many fans.
• What do you call cheese that isn’t yours? Nacho cheese.
• I used to be addicted to the hokey-pokey… but then I turned myself around.
• I was wondering why the frisbee kept getting bigger… and then it hit me.
• Why didn't the chef season his dish? He ran out of thyme.

These are perfect when you want your friends to roll their eyes and laugh at the same time.

Tips for telling jokes like a pro

Even the funniest joke can fall flat if it’s not delivered well. That’s why we asked comic Kendall Payne and public speaking coach Patrick Muñoz for their advice on telling jokes that land.

Timing is everything: “Pause just before the punchline,” says Payne. “Let your audience anticipate what’s coming, then hit them with the surprise.”

Know your audience: “Tailor your jokes to the group,” Muñoz advises. “What’s funny to kids might not land the same way with adults, and vice versa.”

Use facial expressions and voice: “A funny face or a change in pitch can make a good joke great,” Payne explains.

Keep it casual: “Don’t overthink it,” says Muñoz. “Tell the joke like you’re sharing a fun story with friends.”

Whether you’re delivering one-liners or setting up an elaborate pun, a little confidence and timing go a long way in getting laughs.

Why sharing jokes makes friendships stronger

Beyond the laughs, telling jokes is a powerful way to build connections. Sharing humor creates inside jokes, breaks tension, and strengthens social bonds.

Laughter releases endorphins, boosts mood, and can even reduce stress. When you tell a joke and your friends laugh, you're not just entertaining them—you're lifting their spirits and building a sense of camaraderie.

According to a study from the University of Oxford, shared laughter helps people feel closer and more relaxed with each other. That makes these funny jokes to tell your friends more than just punchlines—they’re tiny moments of joy that bring people together.

Final thought

Whether you’re a fan of clever one-liners, corny dad jokes, or groan-worthy puns, this list of funny jokes to tell your friends is your ultimate resource for spreading laughter. With laugh-out-loud punchlines, there’s a joke here for every type of humor, every group of friends, and every situation.

So the next time you're hanging out with your crew, drop a joke or two. Watch the room light up, and enjoy the shared joy that only great humor can bring.

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