What does “Broke as a joke and it ain't funny” mean?
"Broke as a joke and it ain't funny" means having no money and it's not amusing.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I can't go out tonight, I'm broke as a joke.
Example
After paying my bills, I'm broke as a joke for the rest of the month.
Example
I need to find a job soon, I'm broke as a joke and it's not funny
Is “Broke as a joke and it ain't funny” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Broke as a joke and it ain't funny” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Broke as a joke and it ain't funny” effectively in context?
You can use "Broke as a joke and it ain't funny" to express that you have no money and find it frustrating or unpleasant. It emphasizes the lack of funds in a lighthearted way. For example, if a friend asks you to go out for dinner but you can't afford it, you might say, 'I can't go out tonight, I'm "broke as a joke".'
- 1Socializing
I can't go out tonight, I'm broke as a joke.
- 2Financial Struggles
After paying my bills, I'm broke as a joke for the rest of the month.
- 3Job Search
I need to find a job soon, I'm broke as a joke and it's not funny.
Similar phrases to “Broke as a joke and it ain't funny”:
Having no money
Example
She lost her job and was left penniless.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Broke as a joke and it ain't funny” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Broke as a joke and it ain't funny" is unknown.
Is “Broke as a joke and it ain't funny” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Broke as a joke and it ain't funny" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to humorously express their lack of money.
What tone does “Broke as a joke and it ain't funny” have?
"Broke as a joke and it ain't funny" conveys a tone of humor and frustration. It's used to lighten the mood when discussing financial difficulties.
Can “Broke as a joke and it ain't funny” be used in informal and formal settings?
This phrase is more commonly used in informal settings, such as casual conversations with friends or family. It may not be appropriate for formal situations.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I can't go out tonight, I'm "broke as a joke".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying '"Broke as a joke"!' to imply being low on funds.
