They say, “Laughter is the best medicine,” but what if someone says, responses to “You’re not funny”? That can sting a little, right? Hi, I’m here to help you handle that moment with grace and a bit of humor. Sometimes, when people say you’re not funny, it’s just their way of reacting not the truth about you. We all have times when our jokes don’t land, and that’s okay!
In this article, I will share simple and smart responses to the phrase “You’re not funny.” These replies will help you stay confident, keep the mood light, and maybe even turn the situation around. Let’s make those awkward moments better with some easy and friendly comebacks.
1. “I guess my sense of humor is an acquired taste.”
Story:
Emma told Jake a joke at a party, but Jake just gave a blank look and said, “You’re not funny.” Emma smiled and replied, “I guess my sense of humor is an acquired taste.”
When to Use:
Use this when someone doesn’t get your joke but you want to respond lightheartedly and keep things playful.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the person is clearly upset or you sense hostility. It might come off as defensive in serious arguments.
Example:
Jake: “You’re not funny.”
Emma: “I guess my sense of humor is an acquired taste.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a gentle smile and maybe follow up with another funny line or change the subject to keep the mood light.
2. “Well, not everyone has a Ph.D. in comedy!”
Story:
During lunch, Liam’s joke didn’t land with Sarah, who said, “You’re not funny.” Liam laughed and replied, “Well, not everyone has a Ph.D. in comedy!”
When to Use:
Use when you want to joke back without sounding hurt or serious, especially among friends who appreciate humor.
When Not to Use:
Avoid with strangers or people who might take it as sarcasm or a jab.
Example:
Sarah: “You’re not funny.”
Liam: “Well, not everyone has a Ph.D. in comedy!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Deliver it with a light tone. Follow up with a smile or a playful shrug to show you’re not offended.
3. “That’s okay, I’m still working on my stand-up routine.”
Story:
Nina made a joke during a meeting but her colleague Mark said, “You’re not funny.” Nina grinned and said, “That’s okay, I’m still working on my stand-up routine.”
When to Use:
Good for casual, friendly settings when you want to admit you can improve but still keep the mood fun.
When Not to Use:
Don’t use if the criticism feels harsh or mean-spirited; it might seem like you’re dismissing feelings.
Example:
Mark: “You’re not funny.”
Nina: “That’s okay, I’m still working on my stand-up routine.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Use a confident and warm tone to keep the atmosphere positive.
4. “I’ll add that to my list of jokes to perfect.”
Story:
At a family dinner, John told a joke that fell flat. His sister said, “You’re not funny.” John chuckled, “I’ll add that to my list of jokes to perfect.”
When to Use:
Great for informal moments where you want to show humility and keep trying.
When Not to Use:
Avoid in tense or confrontational moments where humor is not welcomed.
Example:
Sister: “You’re not funny.”
John: “I’ll add that to my list of jokes to perfect.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it cheerfully to show you take feedback lightly and want to improve.
5. “I guess my comedy is too avant-garde for some.”
Story:
During a night out, Mia cracked a weird joke. Her friend Alex said, “You’re not funny.” Mia smirked, “I guess my comedy is too avant-garde for some.”
When to Use:
Use when your humor is unusual or offbeat and you want to make light of the difference in taste.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the other person is offended or you want to avoid sounding pretentious.
Example:
Alex: “You’re not funny.”
Mia: “I guess my comedy is too avant-garde for some.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a playful or teasing tone to keep things light.
6. “I didn’t realize I was competing for the funniest person award.”
Story:
Tom made a joke and Sarah said, “You’re not funny.” Tom laughed, “I didn’t realize I was competing for the funniest person award.”
When to Use:
Perfect in friendly groups where humor is casual and you want to be funny about the critique.
When Not to Use:
Don’t use it if it might come off as dismissive or sarcastic in serious talks.
Example:
Sarah: “You’re not funny.”
Tom: “I didn’t realize I was competing for the funniest person award.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Keep your tone lighthearted and playful.
See also: How to Respond to “Guess What?”
7. “Everyone’s a critic, aren’t they?”
Story:
At work, Emma’s joke didn’t get laughs. James said, “You’re not funny.” Emma smiled and said, “Everyone’s a critic, aren’t they?”
When to Use:
Use when you want to acknowledge criticism but not take it too seriously.
When Not to Use:
Avoid with people who are sensitive or in moments needing serious communication.
Example:
James: “You’re not funny.”
Emma: “Everyone’s a critic, aren’t they?”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a light chuckle to soften the moment.
8. “Guess I’ll stick to my day job for now!”
Story:
Lucas tried to make a funny comment, but Mia said, “You’re not funny.” Lucas laughed, “Guess I’ll stick to my day job for now!”
When to Use:
Good for casual moments to joke about not being a professional comedian.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the tone is serious or if someone is genuinely hurt by your joke.
Example:
Mia: “You’re not funny.”
Lucas: “Guess I’ll stick to my day job for now!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Deliver with a smile and maybe a playful shrug.
9. “I’ll work on it. Comedy is a journey, after all.”
Story:
Anna’s joke fell flat and her friend Leo said, “You’re not funny.” Anna said calmly, “I’ll work on it. Comedy is a journey, after all.”
When to Use:
Use to show growth mindset and that you are open to improvement.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the setting requires immediate seriousness or apology.
Example:
Leo: “You’re not funny.”
Anna: “I’ll work on it. Comedy is a journey, after all.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it kindly and genuinely.
10. “I guess my joke wasn’t as ‘punny’ as I thought.”
Story:
Mark told a pun and Jess replied, “You’re not funny.” Mark smiled, “I guess my joke wasn’t as ‘punny’ as I thought.”
When to Use:
Great when your humor is pun-based and you want to admit it didn’t land.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the person is annoyed or in formal situations.
Example:
Jess: “You’re not funny.”
Mark: “I guess my joke wasn’t as ‘punny’ as I thought.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a grin and light tone.
11. “Not everyone has the same sense of humor, right?”
Story:
During a group chat, Sara’s joke was met with silence. Mike said, “You’re not funny.” Sara replied, “Not everyone has the same sense of humor, right?”
When to Use:
Use when you want to point out that humor varies among people.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the person is directly insulting you or your humor.
Example:
Mike: “You’re not funny.”
Sara: “Not everyone has the same sense of humor, right?”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it calmly and with a smile.
12. “I’m just warming up; give me another chance!”
Story:
Jess made a joke and Matt said, “You’re not funny.” Jess smiled, “I’m just warming up; give me another chance!”
When to Use:
Good when you want to keep trying and lighten the mood.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if people clearly want the conversation to end or move on.
Example:
Matt: “You’re not funny.”
Jess: “I’m just warming up; give me another chance!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Use an encouraging tone and maybe try a different joke.
13. “I guess I missed the mark on that one.”
Story:
Nate told a joke at a party and Rachel said, “You’re not funny.” Nate said, “I guess I missed the mark on that one.”
When to Use:
Use when you want to admit a joke didn’t work but keep it polite.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if someone is mean or rude; might seem weak.
Example:
Rachel: “You’re not funny.”
Nate: “I guess I missed the mark on that one.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a soft smile and move on.
14. “I’ll save that one for my next comedy set!”
Story:
Olivia told a joke and her friend Dan said, “You’re not funny.” Olivia laughed, “I’ll save that one for my next comedy set!”
When to Use:
Great when you want to joke back and act like a performer.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if people are not in a joking mood.
Example:
Dan: “You’re not funny.”
Olivia: “I’ll save that one for my next comedy set!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it playfully and confidently.
15. “Every great comedian has their off days!”
Story:
At a friend’s gathering, Jack told a joke that failed. Lisa said, “You’re not funny.” Jack said, “Every great comedian has their off days!”
When to Use:
Use when you want to encourage yourself or others about occasional failures.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the comment might sound like an excuse.
Example:
Lisa: “You’re not funny.”
Jack: “Every great comedian has their off days!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it cheerfully and keep a positive vibe.
16. “Hey, not everyone can be a comedy genius.”
Story:
Sophie joked but her brother Nick said, “You’re not funny.” Sophie replied, “Hey, not everyone can be a comedy genius.”
When to Use:
Use it lightly to accept imperfection in humor.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if it seems like you are putting others down.
Example:
Nick: “You’re not funny.”
Sophie: “Hey, not everyone can be a comedy genius.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it playfully, not harshly.
17. “Guess I’m still in the ‘work in progress’ phase!”
Story:
At a meeting, David’s joke was ignored. His colleague Anna said, responses to “You’re not funny.” David smiled, “Guess I’m still in the ‘work in progress’ phase!”
When to Use:
Good when you want to acknowledge you are learning.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if people expect serious or professional communication.
Example:
Anna: “You’re not funny.”
David: “Guess I’m still in the ‘work in progress’ phase!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a friendly tone.
18. “Everyone has their own comedic taste, right?”
Story:
Lily made a joke and her friend Sam said, responses to “You’re not funny.” Lily said, “Everyone has their own comedic taste, right?”
When to Use:
Good for explaining differences in humor style.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if it sounds like you’re dismissing feelings.
Example:
Sam: “You’re not funny.”
Lily: “Everyone has their own comedic taste, right?”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it warmly.
19. “I’m just trying to keep things interesting!”
Story:
During a chat, Eric made a joke and Kate said, “You’re not funny.” Eric said, “I’m just trying to keep things interesting!”
When to Use:
Use when you want to show good intentions behind your humor.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the joke is offensive or inappropriate.
Example:
Kate: “You’re not funny.”
Eric: “I’m just trying to keep things interesting!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a smile and positive tone.
20. “Even the best comedians have their misses!”
Story:
During a party, Rachel’s joke failed and her friend John said, responses “You’re not funny.” Rachel said, “Even the best comedians have their misses!”
When to Use:
Good for encouraging yourself and others that mistakes happen.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if people feel the joke was in poor taste.
Example:
John: “You’re not funny.”
Rachel: “Even the best comedians have their misses!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with confidence and humor.
21. “Hey, every joke is a chance to learn!”
Story:
Seth’s joke got no laughs. His friend Amy said, “You’re not funny.” Seth replied, “Hey, every joke is a chance to learn!”
When to Use:
Use to show growth mindset and openness to improve.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the joke was offensive or hurtful.
Example:
Amy: “You’re not funny.”
Seth: “Hey, every joke is a chance to learn!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it positively and with a smile.
22. “Guess I’ll need a new routine for next time!”
Story:
Tina told a joke and Jake said, “You’re not funny.” Tina said, “Guess I’ll need a new routine for next time!”
When to Use:
Great when you want to be playful and acknowledge you can improve.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the tone might be taken as sarcastic.
Example:
Jake: “You’re not funny.”
Tina: “Guess I’ll need a new routine for next time!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a friendly grin.
23. “Not everyone has the same sense of humor, but that’s okay!”
Story:
John told a joke and Mike said, “You’re not funny.” John replied, “Not everyone has the same sense of humor, but that’s okay!”
When to Use:
Good for expressing understanding about differences in humor.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if you want to confront or argue.
Example:
Mike: “You’re not funny.”
John: “Not everyone has the same sense of humor, but that’s okay!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it warmly and kindly.
24. “I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
Story:
Anna made a joke and Tom said, “You’re not funny.” Anna smiled and said, “I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
When to Use:
Use when you want to accept feedback politely.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the comment feels like an insult.
Example:
Tom: “You’re not funny.”
Anna: “I’ll keep that in mind for next time.”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it calmly and with grace.
25. “Every joke is a step toward getting better!”
Story:
Mark tried a new joke and Julia said, “You’re not funny.” Mark said, “Every joke is a step toward getting better!”
When to Use:
Good for showing optimism and persistence.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if it sounds like an excuse.
Example:
Julia: “You’re not funny.”
Mark: “Every joke is a step toward getting better!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it encouragingly.
26. “I’ll work on my timing and delivery for next time!”
Story:
Lilly made a joke and Ben said, “You’re not funny.” Lilly said, “I’ll work on my timing and delivery for next time!”
When to Use:
Use to show you’re open to improve your joke’s impact.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the comment is meant to hurt you.
Example:
Ben: “You’re not funny.”
Lilly: “I’ll work on my timing and delivery for next time!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it positively and with confidence.
27. “Looks like I’ll need to hit the comedy books!”
Story:
Jake’s joke flopped and Lily said, “You’re not funny.” Jake said, “Looks like I’ll need to hit the comedy books!”
When to Use:
Good for self-deprecating humor after a failed joke.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the atmosphere is serious.
Example:
Lily: “You’re not funny.”
Jake: “Looks like I’ll need to hit the comedy books!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a laugh or smile
28. “Guess I’m not quite a stand-up pro yet!”
Story:
At a gathering, Sam told a joke and Anna said, “You’re not funny.” Sam smiled, “Guess I’m not quite a stand-up pro yet!”
When to Use:
Use to show humor humility.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if people are upset.
Example:
Anna: “You’re not funny.”
Sam: “Guess I’m not quite a stand-up pro yet!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it warmly.
29. “I’m still perfecting my comedic timing!”
Story:
Emma made a joke and Mike said, “You’re not funny.” Emma said, “I’m still perfecting my comedic timing!”
When to Use:
Good to show you’re trying to get better at humor.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the mood is tense.
Example:
Mike: “You’re not funny.”
Emma: “I’m still perfecting my comedic timing!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it lightly.
30. “Comedy takes practice, and I’m practicing!”
Story:
Liam joked and Sarah said, “You’re not funny.” Liam said, “Comedy takes practice, and I’m practicing!”
When to Use:
Great for positive and hopeful attitude.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the criticism is harsh.
Example:
Sarah: “You’re not funny.”
Liam: “Comedy takes practice, and I’m practicing!”
How to Respond 🗣️:
Say it with a smile.
31. “Well, I’m here to improve your sense of humor!”
Story:
Jenna told Mark, “You’re not funny.” He replied, “Well, I’m here to improve your sense of humor!”
When to Use:
Great when you want to playfully turn the criticism into a compliment.
When Not to Use:
Avoid it if the person is seriously upset.
32. “Funny is subjective, like art or pineapple on pizza.”
Story:
Tom said to Lisa, “You’re not funny.” Lisa smiled and said, “Funny is subjective, like art or pineapple on pizza responses to “You’re not funny.”
When to Use:
Perfect for sparking a light debate or deflecting with humor.
When Not to Use:
Don’t use it if the other person hates pineapple pizza (you might trigger a food fight!).
33. “I’m the opening act, give me time!”
Story:
Dave was told by his friend, “You’re not funny.” Dave responded, “I’m the opening act, give me time!”
When to Use:
Great for hopeful comedians or when you want to keep things optimistic.
When Not to Use:
Not ideal if you want to end the conversation quickly.
34. “If you don’t laugh, I’ll just take it as deep contemplation.”
Story:
Emily said, “You’re not funny.” Mike replied, “If you don’t laugh, I’ll just take it as deep contemplation responses to “You’re not funny.”
When to Use:
Good for turning silence into a joke.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the mood is tense or seriously.”
35. “Well, I’m working on my charm.”
Story:
Alex was told, “You’re not funny.” He answered, “Well, I’m working on my charm responses to “You’re not funny”.
When to Use:
Perfect when you want to keep things light and humble.
When Not to Use:
Avoid if the other person is making harsh remarks.
Top 15 Editor’s Choice Responses to “You’re Not Funny”
- “Comedy takes practice, and I’m practicing!”
- “Well, I’m here to improve your sense of humor!”
- “Funny is subjective, like art or pineapple on pizza.”
- “I’m the opening act, give me time!”
- “If you don’t laugh, I’ll just take it as deep contemplation.”
- “Well, I’m working on my charm.”
- “That’s because my jokes are too advanced for you.”
- “I’m saving the best for last.”
- “Wait, I thought you were going to laugh!”
- “I’m just warming up.”
- “If I’m not funny, then you must be serious all the time.”
- “Your laughter is in beta mode, please update!”
- “Funny bone’s under construction, sorry!”
- “My humor is like a fine wine; it takes time.”
- “I’m just testing your patience for comedy.”
Conclusion
Everyone experiences moments when their humor doesn’t quite hit the mark it’s part of the fun of trying to make people laugh! The key is to keep your spirit light and respond with charm and wit.
When you choose to playfully challenge the comment or simply shrug it off with humor, these responses to “you’re not funny” will help you handle responses to “You’re not funny” with grace and maybe even win a smile or two. Remember, the best humor comes from being yourself and enjoying the moment, no matter how it lands.
I’m Lily Hart, the Admin behind the engaging responses at SayStyles.com! With a knack for blending wit and warmth, I turn every piece of writing into something memorable. From clever advice to fun comebacks, I’m here to make sure every response leaves you smiling and thinking.
