Meaning & use
a barrel of laughs
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Meanings
phrasefixed phraseinformal
A person or thing that is very entertaining and fun to be with.
Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after the verb 'be': 'He is a barrel of laughs.'
Patterns
- be a barrel of laughs
- think someone is a barrel of laughs
My uncle is a barrel of laughs; he tells the best jokes at every family party.
The comedy show was a barrel of laughs from start to finish.
She's always a barrel of laughs when we go out together.
phrasefixed phraseinformalhumorous
Used ironically to say that someone or something is boring or not fun at all.
Grammar: Often said with a sarcastic tone; the meaning is the opposite of the literal one.
Patterns
- not a barrel of laughs
- hardly a barrel of laughs
The party was not exactly a barrel of laughs; everyone just sat around checking their phones.
He's not a barrel of laughs when he's tired, so don't expect any jokes tonight.
Common combinations
- be a barrel of laughs
- The new boss seems serious, but he's actually a barrel of laughs once you get to know him.
- not exactly a barrel of laughs
- The meeting was not exactly a barrel of laughs, but we got through the agenda.
- a real barrel of laughs
- My cousin is a real barrel of laughs; he always has a funny story to tell.
- think someone is a barrel of laughs
- The kids think their grandpa is a barrel of laughs because he does silly voices.
Synonyms and how they differ
- a riot
- Also informal and means very funny, but often describes an event or performance rather than a person.
- a hoot
- Similar informal meaning, but usually describes a funny situation or person; it can sound slightly old-fashioned.
- good fun
- A more general phrase meaning enjoyable; it does not carry the same ironic possibility.
Opposites
Commonly confused: a barrel of laughs or barrel of monkeys?
a barrel of laughs vs barrel of monkeys
A barrel of monkeys is a phrase meaning a lot of fun or chaos, but it is less common and often used in the expression 'more fun than a barrel of monkeys'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'a barrel of laughs' correctly and naturally?
Choose one answer.
The phrase 'a barrel of laughs' is a noun phrase meaning an entertaining person or thing, so it fits after 'is' in sentence B. Sentence A uses it ironically, but the context 'I nearly fell asleep' shows it was boring, so it would need 'not exactly' to be clear. Sentence C and D treat it as a verb, which is wrong.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “a barrel of laughs”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.