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It is estimated that English has over one million words, which means there is ample opportunity to find some that will make you giggle. Some of the words in our post are fairly common, while others are less familiar and could even be included in our blog post of rare words [SEE: 150+ Rare Words in English].
I’m especially interested in humor as a way to learn faster and better. Whenever it comes to learning foreign languages, for instance, associating a new word with something outlandish or ridiculous can help you retain that word. The more absurd the image, the more likely your brain is to hold on to it.
Some of the words in our hodgepodge lean on the quirky side and shouldn’t be used in formal business dealings, but others are more appropriate for serious-minded conversations.
1.
[fyoo-NAM-byuh-layt]
This is the official term for tightrope walking. Drop it into a conversation and watch people squirm, surprised that there’s actually a word for it.
2.
[spuh-get-uh-fi-KAY-shun]
This word is used in scientific circles. Don’t be surprised if it sounds like your favorite pasta—the event it describes really does look like a mess of spaghetti.
3.
[zeh-TEH-tik]
You might hear this word in a lecture or a philosophy class. The letter Z is one of the rarest first letters in English, so it’ll definitely catch people off guard.
4.
[kan-TANG-kuh-ruhs]
The combination of the hard “k” sound and the bouncy rhythm of the word mimics the irritable attitude it describes. Saying it out loud almost feels like you’re grumbling, which makes it fit perfectly for someone who’s difficult or bad-tempered.
5.
[PUHM-per-nik-uhl]
When I was a kid and first learned this word, I thought it was a type of pumpkin. This is one of those words that sounds funny but actually describes something delicious.
6.
[KYOO-bit]
Another one of those rare words that many people don’t know. If you’re into quantum physics, you’ll likely recognize it. Otherwise, it’s time to pull out the dictionary.
7.
[KWY-er]
Pronounce this word to someone, and they’ll probably think you’re talking about a group of people who sing. It’s pronounced just like ’choir,’ but, of course, it means something totally different.
8.
[HUH-luh-buh-loo]
Whenever you see a commotion that seems like total pandemonium, use this word. Despite how serious it may seem, it’s sure to incite some chuckles.
9.
[AI-boh-FOH-bee-uh]
What makes this word particularly funny is that it describes a condition that is the word itself. So if you have a fear of words that read the same forwards and backwards, don’t read this one.
10.
[PAN-kayk]
There are many culinary terms that are quite humorous to pronounce, and this is one of them. It’s actually a compound word made up of two words I find funny: “pan” and “cake.”
11.
[oo-OL-uh-jee]
Oology—possibly one of the few ’ology’ words with three O’s. You’ll notice there are plenty of O’s, which makes it even funnier.
12.
[ka-KOF-uh-nuhs]
The next time you hear a sound so discordant and unpleasant to the ear, use this word to describe it. You might just get a confused look when you tell someone it’s “cacophonous.”
13.
[GUH-faw]
If you’re ever at a party and hear a group of people laughing loudly, you can ask what all the laughter is about. You might be told it’s just a good old “guffaw.”
14.
[KOH-kuh-nuht]
Another simple food item that often sparks a laugh just from the sound of its name. The first two syllables repeat like a goofy chant, and then it just ends with “nut,” another funny word.
15.
[PAW-paw]
I didn’t know this fruit existed until several years ago. What makes this word especially interesting is that it repeats the first syllable, forming a compound, yet as far as I’m concerned, I don’t know of any connection between “paw” and the fruit.
16.
[JOL-uh-fy]
“Jollify” almost sounds like “jellify.” Both words have a playful, lighthearted feel to them.
17.
[BIH-fur-KAYT]
At the grocery store, if you want to ask the cashier to split a bag into two, you can tell her to “bifurcate” the bag. It’s a fancy word, but it just might get a chuckle!
18.
[HIK-uhp]
“Hiccup” is a simple word, yet how can you resist laughing at it? It’s a word that’s commonly used, but it describes something that many of us find funny.
19.
[LANG-kee]
Used to describe someone in a playful or silly manner. Its sound and rhythm make it fun to say aloud.
20.
[MISH-mash]
A word that has that bouncy, almost childlike rhythm with both parts rhyming. Saying it out loud feels a bit silly.
Last Updated on January 2, 2026
by Daniel Zohar
I’m an entrepreneur and digital marketing enthusiast who loves helping people grow—not just in affiliate marketing, but in all areas of online business. I enjoy showing others how to build a strong brand, create meaningful content, and use tools that make work easier. Over the years, I’ve learned what truly works in digital marketing, from creating websites that convert to building an engaged audience through email and social media. After more than ten years in the field, I’ve gathered plenty of lessons I enjoy sharing through my writing and talks. I use my own experiences to help others reach their goals and build something lasting. Besides running my business, I’m a fiction writer in the speculative genre, with dozens of short stories published in various magazines and anthologies. For eighteen years, I was a Top 10% Reviewer at Zoetrope, an online venue for creatives, where I helped members strengthen their writing. When I’m not working as a writer or marketer, you’ll probably find me cooking, reading, or watching a good baseball game. I live in New York City, where I was born and raised.