150 National Tell a Joke Day 2025 Laughs You Can’t Keep to Yourself

National Tell a Joke Day is my excuse to turn into a full-time comedian for twenty-four hours. It’s the only holiday where your mission is to make people laugh until they snort.

So I gathered puns for every crowd. The clever ones, the goofy ones, and the “did you really just say that” ones. The kind of jokes that make the whole table groan and grin at the same time.

phone telling a joke to an airplane, perfect for national tell me joke humor.

Silly One Liners for National Tell a Joke Day

One liners are the fast food of comedy, quick, satisfying, and perfect on the go.

I told my phone a joke but it didn’t laugh. Must be on airplane mode.
I’m reading a book on glue. I can’t put it down.
My calendar is full. It’s completely booked.
I used to be a baker but I couldn’t make enough dough.
I asked the librarian for books about paranoia. She whispered “They’re right behind you.”
I stayed up all night wondering where the sun went. Then it dawned on me.
I once had a job crushing cans but it was soda pressing.
My shoes quit on me. They didn’t have the sole for it.
The barber won the race. He knew all the short cuts.
My mirror and I have been through a lot. We reflect on it often.

Behind the Punchline
These are great for text messages, Instagram captions, or sneaking into casual chats to keep the mood light.

Kid Friendly Jokes for National Tell a Joke Day

Kids don’t fake their laughs. If it’s funny, they’ll let you know.

Why did the cookie go to the nurse?
Because it felt crummy.
What do you call a sleeping bull?
A bulldozer.
How do you make a tissue dance?
You put a little boogie in it.
Why did the banana go to the doctor?
It wasn’t peeling well.
What kind of key opens a banana?
A monkey.
What did the ocean say to the beach?
Nothing, it just waved.
Why was the math book sad?
Too many problems.
How do you talk to a giant?
Use big words.
Why did the teddy bear skip dessert?
It was stuffed.
Why did the computer go to art class?
To learn how to draw its cursor.

Behind the Punchline
Perfect for school talent shows, birthday parties, or making the dinner table giggle.

National Tell a Joke Day Puns

National Tell a Joke Day puns are the quick hits of humor that make people smile without warning. They’re clever, playful, and perfect for sparking laughter anytime.

Why did the pencil go to the principal’s office?
It broke the rules.
What’s the smartest insect?
The spelling bee.
Why was the computer cold?
It left its Windows open.
What do you call a story told by a teacher?
A lesson in history.
Why did the student bring a ladder to school?
To go to high school.
How do you make a lemon drop?
Just let it fall.
Why did the book join the police?
It wanted to go undercover.
How do planets pay for school?
They use star-bucks.
Why was the music teacher good at baseball?
She had perfect pitch.
Why did the chalkboard blush?
It saw the teacher’s notes.

Behind the Punchline
Great for morning announcements or to start a lesson with a smile before diving into the serious stuff.

Knock Knock Jokes That Still Hit the Mark

Knock knock jokes are like old songs, you know how they go, but you still love hearing them.

Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Lettuce.
Lettuce who?
Lettuce in, it’s cold out here.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Olive.
Olive who?
Olive you and I miss you.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Boo.
Boo who?
Don’t cry, it’s just a joke.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Tank.
Tank who?
You’re welcome.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Atch.
Atch who?
Bless you.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Ice cream.
Ice cream who?
Ice cream every time I see a scary movie.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Cows go.
Cows go who?
No, cows go moo.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Dishes.
Dishes who?
Dishes the police, open up.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Harry.
Harry who?
Harry up, I’m freezing.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Orange.
Orange who?
Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?

Behind the Punchline
Best used for family game nights or when you want to crack a joke without thinking too hard.

Quick Wit Jokes for Coffee Break Chats

You’ve only got five minutes and a cup of coffee, make them count.

I told my coworker she drew her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.
My plants and I are in a long distance relationship. I keep forgetting to water them.
I tried to play hide and seek in the bakery but they saw me loafing.
My light bulb jokes are illuminating.
I told my shoes we were breaking up. They’re still laced up over it.
My stapler is very clingy, it just can’t let go.
I’m a big fan of ceiling jokes.
I once got locked in a grocery store. It was food for thought.
My watch stopped working, so time stood still.
My desk drawer is a black hole, things go in and never return.

Behind the Punchline
Use them to lift a coworker’s mood or break the ice at networking events.

Best Animal Jokes for National Tell a Joke Day

Animals have a way of making humor effortless. Pair them with wordplay and you’ve got comedy magic.

Why do cows wear bells? Because their horns don’t work.
What do you call a dog magician? A labracadabrador.
Why did the fish blush? It saw the ocean’s bottom.
How do you catch a squirrel? Climb a tree and act like a nut.
What do you call a group of singing cats? A meow-sical.
Why are frogs so happy? They eat whatever bugs them.
What do ducks like to watch? Duck-umentaries.
Why did the goat join the band? It had great horns.
What do you get when you cross a snake and a pie? A python.
Why did the owl invite friends over? It was a real hoot.

Behind the Punchline
Drop these into pet meetups, farm visits, or social media captions with animal photos to double the laughs.

suitcases with funny expressions for national tell me joke theme

Clever Wordplay That Feels Like Brain Candy

Smart jokes are like little puzzles for your mind with a sweet reward at the end.

I told my suitcases there would be no trip. Now they’re full of baggage.
Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
The man who survived pepper spray and mustard gas is now a seasoned veteran.
I know a lot of jokes about retired people but none of them work.
The shovel was a ground breaking invention.
My memory foam pillow forgot me.
The math teacher’s favorite tree is the geometry.
I put my foot down and my sock agreed.
I’m on a whiskey diet. I’ve lost three days already.
I’m friends with all electricians. We have great current connections.

Behind the Punchline
These are perfect for game nights or trivia meetups where a clever punchline gets extra appreciation.

Lighthearted Summer Jokes to Beat the Heat

Hot weather calls for humor that’s fresh and breezy.

Why do bananas use sunscreen? Because they peel.
How do you prevent a summer cold? Catch it in the winter.
What does the sun drink out of? Sunglasses.
Why do fish like summer? They can swim in schools.
How do you know the ocean is friendly? It waves.
What’s a snowman doing in July? A puddle.
Why did the beach blush? The seaweed.
How do you make a lemon smile? Give it a little squeeze.
What kind of music do beach fish listen to? Sand tunes.
Why did the watermelon get married? It found the one in a melon.

Behind the Punchline
Use these for pool parties, beach trips, or summer BBQ invites to keep the mood sunny.

Family gatherings can always use a little comic relief to keep the peace.

Why did grandma bring a ladder to dinner? She heard the food was on the house.
What did the grape do when it got stepped on? Nothing, it just let out a little wine.
Why was the belt arrested? For holding up the pants.
How do you organize a space party? You planet.
What did the big flower say to the little flower? Hi bud.
Why did the broom arrive late? It swept in.
How do you make holy water? Boil the hell out of it.
What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta.
Why did the orange stop? It ran out of juice.
What do you get if you cross an elephant with a fish? Swimming trunks.

Behind the Punchline
These shine at the dinner table or during board games when you need a laugh between turns.

Office Humor for the Nine to Fivers

Work jokes keep spirits up when the to-do list feels endless.

Why did the scarecrow get promoted? He was outstanding in his field.
I told my boss I needed a pay raise. He said I was asking for too much cents.
Why don’t we tell secrets at the office printer? Because it’s always jammed.
Why did the stapler break up with the paper? It felt too attached.
My desk plant is the hardest worker here. It never leaves.
Why did the whiteboard fail at stand-up comedy? It couldn’t draw a crowd.
I gave my keyboard a compliment. Now it’s feeling keyed up.
Why was the coffee late? It got stuck in a filter.
My desk is a lot like a filing cabinet. Everything gets filed under “later.”
Why did the clock apply for a job? It wanted more hours.

Behind the Punchline
Share these in team chats or casual Friday emails to add a spark to the workweek.

a running fridge being caught, perfect for national tell me joke humor

Short jokes are perfect for captions, tweets, or quick video intros.

My fridge is running so I caught it.
Why did the picture go to jail? It was framed.
I spilled coffee on my computer. Now it’s a java machine.
Why did the golfer bring two pairs of pants? In case he got a hole in one.
What did the left eye say to the right eye? Between you and me something smells.
I asked the gym instructor for advice. He told me to take a hike.
Why do candles always get invited to parties? They know how to light up the room.
What do you call cheese that is not yours? Nacho cheese.
My pillow and I are in a long term relationship. We meet every night.
Why do bees have sticky hair? Because they use honeycombs.

Behind the Punchline
Use these to boost engagement online. They work best when paired with funny photos or short video clips.

Clean Comedy Gold for Church or Community Events

When the audience ranges from little kids to grandparents, clean humor wins.

Why did Noah have to punish the chickens? They were using fowl language.
What is faster, hot or cold? Hot, because you can catch cold.
Why did the man put his money in the blender? He wanted to make liquid assets.
Why do bicycles fall over? Because they are two tired.
What did the clock do when it was hungry? It went back four seconds.
How do you keep a skunk from smelling? Hold its nose.
Why do bakers work so hard? They knead the dough.
How does a penguin build its house? Igloos it together.
Why did the gardener plant a seed in the pond? He wanted to grow a water melon.
Why did the musician bring a ladder? To reach the high notes.

Behind the Punchline
Share them at gatherings, picnics, or talent nights to keep the humor light and family safe.

Travel Jokes to Brighten Long Journeys

Travel can be tiring so these jokes keep the mood adventurous.

Why did the airplane get sent to its room? It had a bad altitude.
What happens if you cross an airplane with a magician? You get a flying sorcerer.
Why don’t mountains get cold in winter? They wear snow caps.
What did the suitcase say to the hat? You go on ahead.
Why did the bus driver go to art school? To learn how to draw routes.
What did the map say to the compass? You keep me headed in the right direction.
Why did the train get an award? It had a perfect track record.
What kind of music do balloons hate? Pop music.
Why was the river rich? It had two banks.
Why do cars make terrible comedians? They always break down in the middle of a joke.

Behind the Punchline
Tell these on road trips, flights, or camping nights to keep travel time fun.

Jokes for Sports Lovers Who Like to Laugh

Sports fans have their own language and it’s perfect for puns.

Why did the baseball team hire a detective? They wanted to catch a fly.
What is a basketball player’s favorite kind of cheese? Swiss, because it’s full of holes.
Why did the soccer player bring string? To tie the score.
Why was the stadium so hot? All the fans left.
Why do golfers wear two pairs of pants? In case of a hole in one.
What is a runner’s favorite drink? Sprint water.
Why did the football coach go to the bank? To get his quarterback.
Why did the tennis player refuse to date? Love means nothing to them.
What’s the difference between a high jumper and a pole vaulter? About three feet.
Why did the referee go to the principal’s office? He blew it.

Behind the Punchline
These work great at tailgates, sports bars, or during halftime to keep spirits high.

Heartwarming Laughs for National Tell a Joke Day

Sometimes the best jokes are the ones that make you smile as much as they make you laugh.

Why did the kid bring a ladder to the playground? To go to the next level.
What do you call a happy cowboy? A jolly rancher.
Why did the music note go to school? To become sharp.
What do you call two birds in love? Tweethearts.
Why was the book so popular? It had a great plot.
What do you call a sleeping dinosaur? A dino snore.
Why did the lamp get promoted? It was outstanding in its field of light.
Why do clouds make great friends? They brighten your day.
What do you call a bear with no teeth? A gummy bear.
Why was the cupcake smiling? It found its muffin mate.

Behind the Punchline
Ideal for greeting cards, heartfelt posts, or sharing with someone who needs a lift in their day.

Conclusion

Laughter makes any day better, but National Tell a Joke Day gives you the perfect reason to share it far and wide. These puns and punchlines work for any audience and setting, so pass them along and watch the smiles spread. Post your favorites online, share them at dinner, or text them to a friend who needs a good laugh.

FAQs

What is National Tell a Joke Day?

It’s a fun holiday celebrated every year on August 16 where people share jokes, puns, and funny stories to spread laughter.

How can I celebrate National Tell a Joke Day?

You can tell jokes to friends and family, post them online, organize a small comedy night, or share a joke with strangers to brighten their day.

Are these jokes safe for kids?

Yes. The jokes in this collection are clean, lighthearted, and family friendly so they can be enjoyed by all ages.

Absolutely. These jokes are perfect for captions, stories, and posts that will get your audience smiling and engaging with your content.

Why is humor important in everyday life?

Humor relieves stress, builds connections, and boosts mood. A well timed joke can turn a dull moment into a memorable one.

Disclaimer: These puns and jokes are just for laughs! They’re meant to tickle your funny bone, not hurt anyone’s feelings. All content is light-hearted and shared in the spirit of fun.

Emily Carter

Wordplay wizardess

Hi, I’m Emily from Los Angeles. I believe puns are a magical art, and I’m here to sprinkle some wordplay wizardry on your feed. Writing for Punopedia lets me share my obsession with language in the most joyful way.