Making someone laugh through text might seem tricky at first. Without facial expressions or voice tones to rely on, it’s easy to wonder how you can make someone crack a smile.
But the truth is, humor works just as well in texts as it does in person. It just requires a bit of creativity and a few fun tricks to make it work.
Whether you’re texting a friend, family member, or even someone you’ve just met, making them laugh through a message can instantly brighten their day.
Let’s dig into some lighthearted, playful ways to get that burst of laughter over text and strengthen your connection.
1. Use Memes or GIFs to Your Advantage
Sometimes words aren’t enough to express a funny moment, and that’s where memes and GIFs come to the rescue. There’s an endless treasure trove of memes and GIFs on the internet that are guaranteed to get a laugh.
Whether it’s a classic reaction GIF, a meme of a cat looking absolutely shocked, or something more obscure, visuals can add a fun punch to your conversation.
When you’re unsure what to say but know you want to make someone laugh, sending a perfectly timed meme or GIF can do all the talking for you. The best part? It’s quick, and the humor usually speaks for itself.
2. Throw in a Well-Timed Emoji
Emojis might seem small, but they can carry a lot of weight when it comes to making someone laugh. A playful wink, a rolling-on-the-floor-laughing face, or even a completely random emoji like a chicken or pineapple can add an unexpected comedic twist to an otherwise simple message.
For example, if someone says something obvious, you could reply with just the facepalm emoji. Simple, but it gets the point across with a humorous edge.
Don’t underestimate the power of a well-placed emoji; it can change the entire tone of a conversation in an instant.
3. Use Exaggeration to Get a Giggle
Exaggeration is a classic tool in the humor toolbox, and it works just as well over text.
If someone asks how your day’s going, instead of replying with the usual “fine,” you could say, “Honestly, my day has been so long I’m pretty sure I aged five years just this afternoon.”
The key here is to play up a situation in a way that’s clearly over-the-top but still relatable. Everyone knows what it’s like to have a long day or a frustrating moment, but when you blow it out of proportion in a humorous way, it helps turn the stress into something you can laugh about.
4. Text a Clever One-Liner
Sometimes, all you need is a short, witty one-liner to get someone laughing. These jokes don’t take long to read and usually have that punchy, unexpected twist that catches people off guard. Here are a few examples of simple, text-friendly one-liners:
- “I used to be indecisive, but now I’m not so sure.”
- “I’m on a seafood diet. I see food, and I eat it.”
- “I told my computer I needed a break, and now it won’t stop sending me Kit-Kat ads.”
One-liners are great because they don’t require much setup or explanation. You send it, they read it, and boom—laugh achieved.
5. The Unexpected Random Message
If you want to catch someone off guard and make them laugh, try sending a completely random message out of the blue.
This works best with friends who won’t mind a little unexpected weirdness in their day. Imagine sending a text like, “If you could be any kitchen utensil, which one would you be?” or “Do you think ants have midlife crises?”
These messages are fun because they come out of nowhere and make the other person pause for a second before realizing how absurd (yet funny) the question is.
It’s the randomness that makes people laugh, as they weren’t expecting something so playful to pop up in their inbox.
6. Play on Words or Puns
Puns are a simple but effective way to add humor to a conversation. Wordplay works because it usually involves a bit of cleverness that catches people off guard. The beauty of puns is that they’re quick to read and often make people laugh because of their “groan-worthy” nature.
Here’s an example:
If someone texts you about being tired, you could reply with, “You know, I was going to tell you a joke about an elevator, but it’s an uplifting story.” Sure, it’s cheesy, but that’s part of the fun. Puns work well in text because they’re short, lighthearted, and don’t take much context to land.
7. Share a Lighthearted, Relatable Story
Telling a funny story through text doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. A short, relatable story packed with a humorous twist can quickly get the other person laughing.
For example, you might text: “So I was making coffee this morning, and instead of grabbing the coffee pot, I tried pouring water into the mug straight from the faucet. I guess my brain isn’t awake until my coffee is.”
The key here is to share a moment that’s both personal and universally relatable—something everyone has probably experienced in some way. Humor rooted in everyday life is often the funniest because it feels real and genuine.
8. Use Sarcasm with a Wink
Sarcasm can be tricky in text because it lacks the tone of voice that makes it obvious. But when used well, it can make for a quick and easy laugh. Just be sure to follow it up with an emoji or something playful to make sure it’s clear you’re joking.
For example:
Your friend: “Do you think it’ll rain today?” You: “No, I’m sure the dark clouds and thunder are just for show 😉.”
That little wink at the end ensures that your sarcasm doesn’t get misunderstood. When delivered right, sarcasm can be a fun way to keep the conversation light and humorous.
Check out our Free Sarcastic Response Generator to spice up your comedic side through text
9. Pretend to Be Super Formal About Something Silly
Another way to get a laugh through text is by adopting an overly formal tone about something completely mundane. Let’s say your friend asks what you’re having for lunch. Instead of just replying with “a sandwich,” you could text something like, “This afternoon’s midday sustenance shall consist of precisely two slices of lightly toasted bread encasing a carefully arranged assortment of cured meats and cheeses, otherwise known as a sandwich.”
The humor here comes from treating something as simple as a sandwich with exaggerated seriousness. It’s a fun way to turn an ordinary moment into something unexpected and funny.
10. The Art of the Fake Typo
We’ve all made typos in texts, but what about intentionally making a ridiculous typo to make someone laugh? You could text something like, “I’m heading to the grocery store to buy some…spaghettitttttttrrrr” and follow it up with, “Oops, sorry, I tripped over my keyboard.”
These fake mistakes make people laugh because they mimic real texting experiences—except this time, it’s on purpose. It’s a simple and playful way to break the usual flow of conversation and add a bit of silliness.
11. Incorporate Inside Jokes
If you have inside jokes with someone, texts are the perfect place to bring them up. Inside jokes are great because they’re personal and often bring up shared memories that make people smile instantly. Whether it’s a funny nickname, a reference to a past event, or something only the two of you would get, dropping an inside joke in a text will always spark a laugh.
Not only do they bring humor, but they also strengthen the bond between you and the other person. It’s like a secret language that’s guaranteed to make them smile every time.
12. Play the “Wrong Answer” Game
One quick and fun way to make someone laugh through text is by purposely giving the “wrong” answer to an obvious question. For example:
Your friend: “What’s 2 + 2?” You: “Clearly it’s 22.”
Your friend: “What’s your favorite food?” You: “Definitely broccoli-flavored ice cream.”
This playful game works because it’s unexpected and adds a lighthearted twist to the conversation. The more exaggerated and ridiculous your answers, the funnier it becomes.
13. Send a Fake “Serious” Message
Sometimes, humor can come from pretending to be overly serious about something that clearly isn’t a big deal. You could text something like, “I’ve thought long and hard about this, and I’ve come to an important life decision: I’m never wearing mismatched socks again.” The humor comes from the dramatic buildup to such a trivial decision.
It’s a fun way to introduce some absurdity into the conversation and give the other person a reason to laugh at how silly the situation is.
14. Use Random Animal Facts
One last trick that can work surprisingly well is sharing random, humorous animal facts. For instance, texting something like, “Did you know otters hold hands while they sleep so they don’t drift apart?” is both cute and funny. People love quirky facts, especially when they’re about animals doing adorable or funny things.
You can take it a step further by saying something like, “Just thought you should know; I aspire to be an otter in my next life. Floating and holding hands sounds like the dream.”
Conclusion: Keep It Light, Fun, and Spontaneous
When it comes to making someone laugh through text, it’s all about keeping things light, fun, and a little unexpected. Whether you’re sending a meme, cracking a one-liner, or dropping a random message, the key is to be playful and spontaneous.
Humor in texts doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes, the simplest things can get the biggest