Witty vs. Funny — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
"Witty" refers to the quality of being clever and quick in thought, often expressed through humor. "Funny," on the other hand, describes something that elicits laughter or amusement.
Difference Between Witty and Funny
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Key Differences
The term "witty" often indicates a quick, intellectual kind of humor. Wit generally involves the clever and rapid interplay of ideas and words, often delivered in an unexpected or sophisticated manner. "Funny," on the other hand, is a more generic term that encompasses various forms of humor, including slapstick, satire, and jokes, among others.
Both "witty" and "funny" are adjectives that describe something or someone capable of eliciting laughter or amusement. However, while wit requires a certain level of intellectual engagement to appreciate, something that's merely funny might not need that depth. Funny can be straightforward and easily understood, appealing to a broader audience.
"Witty" often implies a degree of education or intelligence, both in the person delivering the wit and the person receiving it. "Funny" does not necessarily carry this implication; something can be funny without being particularly sophisticated or intellectual. It's often a more immediate, visceral response to a situation or statement.
In terms of grammatical usage, both "witty" and "funny" function primarily as adjectives. You can describe a person as being witty or a joke as being funny. However, "funny" can also function as an adverb, as in "funnily enough," whereas "witty" is strictly an adjective.
Comparison Chart
Intellectual Level
High
Variable
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Audience
More selective
Broader
Implication
Cleverness
Amusement
Grammatical Role
Only adjective
Mainly adjective, can be adverb
Types of Humor
Sophisticated, unexpected
Various, including slapstick, jokes
Compare with Definitions
Witty
Cleverly amusing.
His witty one-liners had everyone laughing.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement.
The comedian was extremely funny.
Witty
Quick and inventive in humor or thought.
Her witty remarks kept the conversation lively.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement; humorous
The play is hilariously funny
A funny story
Witty
Displaying intelligence and a sharpness of mind.
She had a witty answer for every question.
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
Witty
Skilled in using words in a clever and humorous way.
The comedian was so witty that even his insults were taken well.
Funny
Comic strips in newspapers
I read the sports page, funnies, and editorial
Witty
Intellectually amusing.
The play was not only entertaining but also witty.
Funny
A joke or witty remark
He regaled his hosts with a few funnies
I was trying to make a funny, but failed miserably
Witty
Showing or characterized by quick and inventive verbal humour
Marlowe was charming and witty
A witty remark
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement
A funny cartoon.
Witty
Demonstrating wit in expression, especially in speech or writing; clever and humorous
A witty commentator on the political scene.
Funny
Making or given to making amusing jokes or witticisms
A colleague who is very funny.
Witty
Characterized by or having the nature of wit; funny or jocular
A witty saying.
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.
Witty
Entertainingly and strikingly clever or original in concept, design, or performance
A witty sculpture.
Witty choreography.
Funny
Difficult to account for; unusual or odd
I had a funny feeling that she would call.
Witty
(obsolete) Wise, having good judgement.
Funny
Suspiciously odd
It's funny how I seem to lose something every time he comes around.
Witty
(archaic) Possessing a strong intellect or intellectual capacity; intelligent, skilful, ingenious.
Funny
Counterfeit or fraudulent
Tried to pass off funny money as legitimate.
Witty
Clever; amusingly ingenious.
His speech was both witty and informative.
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).
Witty
Full of wit.
His frequent quips mark him as particularly witty.
Funny
Offensively forward or disrespectful
She told him off after he started to get funny.
Witty
Quick of mind; insightful; in possession of wits.
She may have grown older, but she has grown no less witty.
Funny
Contrary to one's demands or expectations
Don't let the prisoners do anything funny.
Witty
Possessed of wit; knowing; wise; skillful; judicious; clever; cunning.
Funny
A joke; a witticism
"He laughed because he did not know I was not making a funny" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Witty
Especially, possessing wit or humor; good at repartee; droll; facetious; sometimes, sarcastic; as, a witty remark, poem, and the like.
Funny
Comic strips.
Witty
Combining clever conception and facetious expression;
His sermons were unpredictably witty and satirical as well as eloquent
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
Strange or unusual.
There's something funny about him.
Funny
Deceptive or tricky.
Don't get involved in any funny business.
Funny
Experiencing a sensation that's not normal.
My stomach feels funny.
Funny
Ridiculous or deserving ridicule.
Your excuse is just plain funny.
Common Curiosities
Can something be funny but not witty?
Yes, something can be funny without requiring intellectual engagement.
What is funny?
Funny describes something that causes laughter or amusement.
Can something be witty but not funny?
It's possible, but wit usually aims to amuse through cleverness.
Is wit associated with intelligence?
Generally, wit is associated with a higher level of intellectual engagement.
Can wit be planned?
Wit is often spontaneous, but it can also be carefully crafted.
Is witty a subset of funny?
Witty can be considered a form of being funny, but it's more intellectually oriented.
What is witty?
Witty refers to a type of intellectual humor that is quick and inventive.
Is witty humor more selective?
Witty humor is often more selective, appealing to those who appreciate its intellectual nature.
Can funny be used as an adverb?
Yes, "funny" can also function as an adverb, like in "funnily enough."
Does funny imply intelligence?
Funny doesn't necessarily imply intelligence or sophistication.
What kinds of humor fall under funny?
Funny can encompass various types of humor including slapstick, satire, and jokes.
Is funny broader in scope than witty?
Yes, funny has a broader scope, encompassing many types of humor beyond wit.
Is witty an adjective?
Yes, witty is primarily used as an adjective.
Is funny subjective?
Yes, what one person finds funny, another might not.
Can you be witty without being educated?
While wit often implies a level of education or intelligence, it's not a strict requirement.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited 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.
