When is National Tell a Joke Day?
August 16th is National Tell a Joke Day.
What is National Tell a Joke Day?
Less threatening than April Fool’s Day but just as funny, National Tell a Joke Day beckons us to laugh. Jokes, puns, jests, and hilarious yarns are all fair game.
Now, you may think it’s all a bunch of nonsense. That’s only half-true. National Tell a Joke Day is also a call to action for our wits. The best knock-knock jokes and humorous riddles have only one answer each. And it takes great skill—timing, delivery, good facial regulation—to tell a sidesplitting story. Without that skill, the funniest tale will fall flat.
So don’t be a downer. Lift people’s spirits and take the time to laugh with them on National Tell a Joke Day.
Fun facts about National Tell a Joke Day!
Laughter is the best medicine if you have the right sickness. (It also boosts your immune system.)
When you laugh, your brain releases endorphins, the “happy hormone.”
The joke “What’s black and white and red all over?” is officially called (*Spoiler Alert*) the Newspaper Riddle. It commonly appeared in folk riddle collections starting in 1917.
Laughter is, in fact, contagious. The premotor cortical region of your brain prepares you to join in someone’s laughter when you hear it.
How to celebrate National Tell a Joke Day:
Swap jokes with your friends. Look for new jokes, and share some old ones. Practice your delivery. And, above all, laugh your face off. (Pro-tip: Don’t actually laugh your face off. It’s part of your humor delivery system.)
Watch a comedian. These are the humor artisans, the joke-smiths and masters of the comical. If your friends can’t get you laughing, find the comedian who can.
What’s the hashtag for National Tell a Joke Day?
Share your favorite joke on social media with #NationalTellAJokeDay.