No laughing matter

Hi,

Could you explain what 'it's no laughing matter' means?

In what situation would you use the expression?

If someone tells a joke and I don't think it's funny, can I say 'it's no laughing matter'?

No, not really. The phrase is used to rebuke someone who thinks that a serious matter is a suitable subject for humour.

Hi Clive,
Many thanks for giving the examples.
What do you mean by 'serious matter'? "Serious" has some diferent definitions, so I am not sure which you are referring to here?

'It's no laughing matter' expresses that the speaker wants the listener to know he's not kidding and the matter isn't suitable for humour, either. Do I think that right?

Do 'it's no laughing matter

Hi,

What do you mean by 'serious matter'? "Serious" has some diferent definitions, so I am not sure which you are referring to here? Something that has some importance and is not funny or frivolous.

'It's no laughing matter' expresses that the speaker wants the listener to know he's not kidding The speaker wants the listener to know that no-obne should tbe humorous about this.

Cliveeg

Fred: My uncle died yesterday.

Jim: Ha-ha.

Fred: It's no laughing matter.

Hi Clive,

Thank you very much for your helpful explanation.

Does Jim think what Fred say is true but doesn't take it seriously or think what Fred say is just a joke and so doesn't take it seriousl

Hi,

Could be either, but probably the latter, because most people don't laugh when told someone has died.

Clive

Thanks a lot, Clive.