20 Sources for Original Joke Material
Jokes are everywhere, waiting to be found around every corner. If you’re paying attention! When I was preaching, the world seemed like an endless bounty of sermon illustrations. As a comedian, it’s an endless supply of material, and the ideas for jokes can come from some surprising places. Here are 20 sources that I’ve often drawn inspiration from.
Observations – These are the little quirks of everyday life, like the way people argue over self-checkout or how no one ever knows how to act in an elevator. Observational comedy turns relatable moments into big laughs.
Afterthoughts – The perfect joke or response you think of hours after a situation ends. It might’ve “gotten away” in the moment, but it can become gold the next time you’re on stage.
Accidents – Some of the best jokes come from a slip of the tongue or a random thought that pops into your head during a set or conversation.
Annoyances – Things that bother you are fertile ground for comedy. Whether it’s loud talkers in public or people who text “k” as a response, frustrations often fuel great punchlines.
Anger – A close cousin of annoyance, but sharper. Channeling what makes you angry into humor is a way to process it and make it funny for others.
Curiosities – Things that fascinate you or make you wonder, like why we trust escalators so much or how autocorrect can get it so wrong.
Confusion – Comedy thrives on exploring the things that make no sense to you, from absurd bureaucracy to why coffee cups at drive-thrus never fit in cup holders.
Interactions – A strange or funny exchange with a stranger, a weird conversation with a coworker, or even an argument with a spouse can spark hilarious ideas.
Childhood memories – Nostalgia often brings out both the humor and the absurdity of growing up, like the weird rules parents enforced or school moments that seemed normal at the time.
Things people say – Overheard conversations, ridiculous advice, or cliché phrases can all become setups for a great joke.
Headlines/News – Current events and trending topics often spark comedy. A strange headline or absurd piece of news can inspire a whole bit, whether it’s about politics, celebrities, or escaped zoo animals.
Clichés – Tired phrases like “it is what it is” or “everything happens for a reason” are ripe for humor. Breaking down why they’re ridiculous, flipping them on their head, or slightly changing up the wording to catch people off-guard can make for great jokes.
Roasting – Poking fun at people, places, or situations—when done playfully—can reveal some of the funniest truths. Observing quirks or exaggerating traits is a classic way to find laughs.
Wordplay/Puns – Clever twists on language or unexpected double meanings are perfect for punchlines. While puns get a bad rap, well-crafted wordplay can be both smart and hilarious.
Pop Culture – Movies, TV shows, books, music, and even memes provide endless material. Satirizing or commenting on pop culture connects with audiences because it’s so familiar.
Hypotheticals – Asking “What if?” is a great way to find comedy. What if working dogs had to file taxes? What if everyone had to wear name tags in public? Posing ridiculous questions opens up a world of possibilities.
Failures – Personal mishaps, awkward moments, or even epic fails can turn into relatable, self-deprecating humor that audiences love.
Fear/Anxiety – Examining what makes you nervous or scared, like public speaking, flying, or social interactions, is a rich source of comedy. Laughing at fear helps audiences relate and find humor in their own worries.
Contradictions – Life is full of contradictions, like health experts who don’t exercise or people who argue against smartphones on Twitter. Pointing these out can be comedic gold.
Everyday objects – The mundane can be hilarious. Water bottles, car cup holders, socks, and even Tupperware lids are full of comedic potential when you look at them from the right angle.
This is just a list of 20 sources bu the truth is: jokes can come from anywhere. The key, as a comedian, is to always be open to inspiration, jot down ideas as they come, and look for humor in even the smallest moments. This is one reason I’m not sure if “writer’s block” is really a thing. But perhaps another post on that soon (i.e. tomorrow)! Life is the ultimate source of bit material—just look around and pay attention. And, if you need some help getting started, look no further than my new initiative: The Joke Writer’s Lab. Happy writing!