Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
can-not-take-a-joke
idiomatic expression
/kæn nɒt teɪk ə dʒoʊk/
Definition
A phrase used to describe someone who is unable to appreciate humor or jokes, particularly when they are at their own expense.
Examples
- When he joked about her cooking, she got offended; she really can’t take a joke.
- He doesn’t seem to understand that teasing is all in good fun; he can’t take a joke.
Meaning
This expression indicates that a person is overly sensitive and reacts negatively to playful teasing or sarcasm.
Synonyms
- oversensitive
- thin-skinned
- humorless
- serious-minded
