Humorous vs. Funny — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 19, 2023
Humorous often pertains to wit or the amusing nature of something, while Funny typically elicits laughter or amusement. Both describe amusing qualities, but Humorous may have a more intellectual or gentle touch.
Difference Between Humorous and Funny
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Humorous is a word that evokes the quality of being amusing, often with a touch of intellect or subtlety. It doesn't always evoke strong laughter, but rather a smile or a chuckle. Funny, on the other hand, directly connects to something that makes one laugh, and it is more straightforward in its approach. Think of a witty comment versus a slapstick comedy skit.
In literature, a piece described as Humorous might lean on irony, clever wordplay, or situational comedy. Funny pieces, meanwhile, might have overt jokes or physical comedy that ensures laughter. While both can be present in the same work, they cater to slightly different tastes.
When someone is described as having a Humorous personality, it might mean they have a sharp wit or cleverness about them. Describing someone as Funny might mean they often make people laugh, whether through jokes, antics, or a naturally entertaining demeanor. Both are positive traits, but one might emphasize cleverness while the other emphasizes direct entertainment.
In everyday conversation, using the word Humorous can come off as a bit more formal or refined. Telling someone they're Funny is a more direct compliment, implying they bring joy and laughter. Both words, while similar, have their unique nuances that can influence how one's statement is received.
Comparison Chart
Nature
More subtle, witty
Directly amusing, laughter-evoking
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Use in Literature
Irony, clever wordplay, situational comedy
Overt jokes, physical comedy
Personality Descriptor
Suggests wit or cleverness
Suggests a propensity to make one laugh
Formality
Might be perceived as slightly more formal
More casual
Primary Reaction
Often a smile or chuckle
Stronger laughter
Compare with Definitions
Humorous
Relating to, characterized by, or having the nature of humor.
Her Humorous anecdotes always light up the room.
Funny
Causing amusement or laughter.
That joke was so Funny, I couldn't stop laughing.
Humorous
Playfully jocular or amusing.
His Humorous approach to teaching keeps students engaged.
Funny
Deceptive or tricky.
There's something Funny going on here.
Humorous
Displaying or appreciating wit or cleverness.
The playwright's Humorous dialogue won rave reviews.
Funny
Invoking humor or amusement in a situation or response.
It's Funny how things turned out in the end.
Humorous
Indicative of or characterized by a light-hearted or playful mood.
The mascot's Humorous antics entertained the crowd.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement; humorous
The play is hilariously funny
A funny story
Humorous
Derived from or associated with a sense of fun or enjoyment.
Their Humorous banter made the journey enjoyable.
Funny
Difficult to explain or understand; strange or odd
I had a funny feeling you'd be around
The funny thing is I can't remember much about it
I do get some funny looks
It's a funny old world
That's funny!—that vase of flowers has been moved
Humorous
Causing laughter and amusement; comic
A humorous and entertaining talk
Funny
Comic strips in newspapers
I read the sports page, funnies, and editorial
Humorous
Full of or characterized by humor; funny
A humorous story.
Funny
A joke or witty remark
He regaled his hosts with a few funnies
I was trying to make a funny, but failed miserably
Humorous
Employing or showing humor; witty
A humorous writer.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement
A funny cartoon.
Humorous
(Archaic) Given to moods or whims; capricious.
Funny
Making or given to making amusing jokes or witticisms
A colleague who is very funny.
Humorous
(Obsolete) Damp; moist.
Funny
Appropriate as the subject of a joke; deserving of a joke. Used in negative sentences to express disapproval or to emphasize the seriousness of something
There is nothing funny about getting the flu.
Humorous
Full of humor or arousing laughter; funny.
The waiters were so humorous - one even did a backflip for us, when we asked him.
Funny
Difficult to account for; unusual or odd
I had a funny feeling that she would call.
Humorous
Showing humor; witty, jocular.
Funny
Suspiciously odd
It's funny how I seem to lose something every time he comes around.
Humorous
(obsolete) Damp or watery.
Funny
Counterfeit or fraudulent
Tried to pass off funny money as legitimate.
Humorous
(obsolete) Dependent on or caused by one's humour or mood; capricious, whimsical.
Funny
(Informal) Somewhat ill, painful, or abnormal
I felt funny after eating those clams. "a mole on his arm that has started to go funny" (Ann Cummins).
Humorous
Moist; humid; watery.
All founts wells, all deeps humorous.
Funny
Offensively forward or disrespectful
She told him off after he started to get funny.
Humorous
Subject to be governed by humor or caprice; irregular; capricious; whimsical.
Rough as a storm and humorous as the wind.
Funny
Contrary to one's demands or expectations
Don't let the prisoners do anything funny.
Humorous
Full of humor; jocular; exciting laughter; playful; as, a humorous story or author; a humorous aspect.
Funny
A joke; a witticism
"He laughed because he did not know I was not making a funny" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Humorous
Full of or characterized by humor;
Humorous stories
Humorous cartoons
In a humorous vein
Funny
Comic strips.
Funny
The section of a newspaper containing comic strips.
Funny
Amusing; humorous; comical.
When I went to the circus, I only found the clowns funny.
Funny
Strange or unusual, often implying unpleasant.
The milk smelt funny so I poured it away.
I've got a funny feeling that this isn't going to work.
Funny
Showing unexpected resentment.
Funny
Homosexual; gay
Funny
(informal) A joke.
Funny
(informal) A comic strip.
Funny
(rowing) A rowboat with both ends pointed and out of the water.
Funny
(British) A narrow clinker-built boat for sculling.
Funny
(nonstandard) In an unusual manner; strangely.
Funny
In a manner seen as being typical of a homosexual, or indicating homosexuality
Funny
Droll; comical; amusing; laughable; inciting laughter.
Funny
A clinkerbuit, narrow boat for sculling.
Funny
Arousing or provoking laughter;
An amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
An amusing fellow
A comic hat
A comical look of surprise
Funny stories that made everybody laugh
A very funny writer
It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
A mirthful experience
Risible courtroom antics
Funny
Beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
A curious hybrid accent
Her speech has a funny twang
They have some funny ideas about war
Had an odd name
The peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
Something definitely queer about this town
What a rum fellow
Singular behavior
Funny
Not as expected;
There was something fishy about the accident
Up to some funny business
Some definitely queer goings-on
A shady deal
Her motives were suspect
Suspicious behavior
Funny
Experiencing odd bodily sensations;
Told the doctor about the funny sensations in her chest
Funny
In a strange manner;
A queerly inscribed sheet of paper
He acted kind of funny
Funny
In a comical manner;
She acted comically
Funny
Peculiar or odd.
That's Funny; I could've sworn I left my keys here.
Funny
Expressing or relating to comedic entertainment.
He has a Funny way of telling stories.
Common Curiosities
What's the primary difference between Humorous and Funny?
Humorous often pertains to wit or subtlety, while Funny directly elicits laughter.
Is Funny always about laughter?
Mostly, but it can also refer to something being peculiar or odd.
Can both words be used interchangeably?
They can in many contexts, but they have nuances that might make one more appropriate than the other.
Are slapstick comedies Funny?
Typically, slapstick comedies are Funny as they aim to elicit direct laughter through physical antics.
Can a situation be both Humorous and Funny?
Absolutely, something can be both witty (Humorous) and laughter-evoking (Funny).
Can a person be described as Humorous without making jokes?
Yes, they might have a witty or clever demeanor without telling direct jokes.
What's a synonym for Funny?
"Hilarious" is a stronger synonym for Funny, emphasizing great amusement.
Is it more formal to use Humorous?
Yes, Humorous can be perceived as slightly more formal than Funny.
Can Humorous be used to describe a situation?
Yes, it can refer to a situation that is amusing in a witty or clever way.
Which word is better for a light-hearted compliment, Humorous or Funny?
Both work well, but Funny is more direct in expressing amusement.
Can a dark comedy be considered Humorous?
Yes, it can be Humorous if it relies on wit or irony, even if the subject is dark.
Is it a compliment to call someone Humorous?
Yes, it suggests they have wit or a clever nature.
Can literature be both Humorous and Funny?
Definitely, a work can blend wit (Humorous) with overt comedic elements (Funny).
Is it a compliment to call something Funny?
Absolutely, it means it brings joy or amusement.
How should I use Funny when referring to something odd?
You can say, "That's Funny..." to express surprise or confusion about something peculiar.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
