Funny vs. Lame: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 3, 2023
Funny is amusing or laughable, while Lame is weak or unsatisfactory, or refers to physical disability.
Key Differences
Funny and Lame are adjectives that elicit distinct emotional responses. Funny, a word rich in positive connotations, describes something or someone that causes amusement or laughter. Jokes, comedians, or even peculiar situations can be dubbed funny, signaling a sense of joy or humor in the observer. Lame, in contrast, often alludes to something that's weak, unconvincing, or disappointing. For instance, a weak excuse might be termed lame by someone who isn't convinced.
The term Funny primarily engages with the humor spectrum, nudging individuals to lighten up and enjoy the moment. It's the word of choice for comedians aiming to elicit laughs, and when something is branded as funny, it's usually met with chuckles or broad smiles. On the flip side, Lame can imply a lack of quality or effort. It's a term that's commonly thrown around when someone encounters an uninspiring or mediocre element, indicating that it failed to meet expectations.
Interestingly, while Funny has mostly remained consistent in meaning, Lame has a more varied history. Originally, Lame was employed to describe physical disability, particularly concerning the legs or feet. Over time, its meaning expanded to a more colloquial usage, indicating something lackluster. Funny, meanwhile, steadfastly remains in the realm of humor, its meaning unchanged through ages.
In popular culture, especially among the younger demographic, both words are often used in casual conversations. While Funny remains a compliment, suggesting that someone or something is enjoyable and entertaining, Lame is more of a mild criticism, hinting that something could be better. Both words, though opposite in their emotional weight, add color and texture to the English language, allowing nuanced expressions of approval or disapproval.
Comparison Chart
Primary Emotion Evoked
Amusement or laughter
Disappointment or unsatisfactory feeling
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of Usage
Pertains to humor and amusement
Originally described physical disability
Contextual Use
Compliment or positive observation
Criticism or negative observation
Evolution Over Time
Remained consistent in meaning
Expanded from physical disability to general criticism
Frequency in Popular Talk
Frequently used to appreciate humor
Commonly used to express mild criticism or disappointment
Funny and Lame Definitions
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement.
That movie was incredibly funny.
ADVERTISEMENT
Lame
Unable to walk normally due to injury or disability.
The horse was lame after the race.
Funny
Strange or unusual in a way that provokes humor.
It's funny how we ran into each other twice in one day.
Lame
Indicative of a lack of effort or originality.
That's the same lame joke he tells every time.
Funny
Exuding a sense of light-heartedness.
There's a funny side to every situation.
Lame
Uninspiring or weak, especially in context to an excuse or argument.
That's a lame reason for not joining us.
Funny
Causing laughter or amusement
A funny cartoon.
Lame
Disabled so that movement, especially walking, is difficult or impossible
Lame from the accident, he walked with a cane. A lame wing kept the bird from flying.
Funny
Making or given to making amusing jokes or witticisms
A colleague who is very funny.
Lame
Marked by pain or rigidness
A lame back.
Funny
Appropriate as the subject of a joke; deserving of a joke. Used in negative sentences to express disapproval or to emphasize the seriousness of something
There is nothing funny about getting the flu.
Lame
Weak or ineffectual
A lame attempt to apologize.
Funny
Difficult to account for; unusual or odd
I had a funny feeling that she would call.
Lame
(Informal) Dull or unsatisfactory
That movie was so lame!.
Funny
Suspiciously odd
It's funny how I seem to lose something every time he comes around.
Lame
(Slang) Socially inappropriate; foolish.
Funny
Counterfeit or fraudulent
Tried to pass off funny money as legitimate.
Lame
To cause to become lame; cripple.
Funny
(Informal) Somewhat ill, painful, or abnormal
I felt funny after eating those clams. "a mole on his arm that has started to go funny" (Ann Cummins).
Lame
A thin metal plate, especially one of the overlapping steel plates in medieval armor.
Funny
Offensively forward or disrespectful
She told him off after he started to get funny.
Lame
A shiny fabric woven with metallic threads, often of gold or silver.
Funny
Contrary to one's demands or expectations
Don't let the prisoners do anything funny.
Lame
To walk properly because of a problem with one's feet or legs.
Funny
A joke; a witticism
"He laughed because he did not know I was not making a funny" (Jonathan Safran Foer).
Lame
Moving with pain or difficulty on account of injury, defect or temporary obstruction of a function.
A lame leg, arm or muscle
Funny
Comic strips.
Lame
(by extension) Hobbling; limping; inefficient; imperfect.
Funny
The section of a newspaper containing comic strips.
Lame
(slang) Unconvincing or unbelievable.
He had a really lame excuse for missing the birthday party.
Funny
Amusing; humorous; comical.
When I went to the circus, I only found the clowns funny.
Lame
(slang) Failing to be cool, funny, interesting or relevant.
He kept telling these extremely lame jokes all night.
Funny
Strange or unusual, often implying unpleasant.
The milk smelt funny so I poured it away.
I've got a funny feeling that this isn't going to work.
Lame
(transitive) To cause (a person or animal) to become lame.
Funny
Showing unexpected resentment.
Lame
(prison slang) A stupid or undesirable person.
Funny
Homosexual; gay
Lame
A lamina; a thin layer or plate of material, as in certain kinds of armor.
Funny
(informal) A joke.
Lame
(in the plural) A set of joined overlapping metal plates.
Funny
(informal) A comic strip.
Lame
Kitchen tool for scoring bread dough before baking.
Funny
(rowing) A rowboat with both ends pointed and out of the water.
Lame
Moving with pain or difficulty on account of injury, defect, or temporary obstruction of a function; as, a lame leg, arm, or muscle.
Funny
(British) A narrow clinker-built boat for sculling.
Lame
Hence, hobbling; limping; inefficient; imperfect; as, a lame answer.
O, most lame and impotent conclusion!
Funny
(nonstandard) In an unusual manner; strangely.
Lame
To make lame.
If you happen to let child fall and lame it.
Funny
In a manner seen as being typical of a homosexual, or indicating homosexuality
Lame
Someone who doesn't understand what is going on
Funny
Droll; comical; amusing; laughable; inciting laughter.
Lame
A fabric interwoven with threads of metal;
She wore a gold lame dress
Funny
A clinkerbuit, narrow boat for sculling.
Lame
Deprive of the use of a limb, especially a leg;
The accident has crippled her for life
Funny
Arousing or provoking laughter;
An amusing film with a steady stream of pranks and pratfalls
An amusing fellow
A comic hat
A comical look of surprise
Funny stories that made everybody laugh
A very funny writer
It would have been laughable if it hadn't hurt so much
A mirthful experience
Risible courtroom antics
Lame
Pathetically lacking in force or effectiveness;
A feeble excuse
A lame argument
Funny
Beyond or deviating from the usual or expected;
A curious hybrid accent
Her speech has a funny twang
They have some funny ideas about war
Had an odd name
The peculiar aromatic odor of cloves
Something definitely queer about this town
What a rum fellow
Singular behavior
Lame
(of horses) disabled in the feet or legs
Funny
Not as expected;
There was something fishy about the accident
Up to some funny business
Some definitely queer goings-on
A shady deal
Her motives were suspect
Suspicious behavior
Lame
Disabled in the feet or legs;
A crippled soldier
A game leg
Funny
Experiencing odd bodily sensations;
Told the doctor about the funny sensations in her chest
Lame
Uncool or out of touch with current trends.
Those shoes are so lame compared to the latest styles.
Funny
In a strange manner;
A queerly inscribed sheet of paper
He acted kind of funny
Lame
Not lively or impressive.
The party was lame, hardly anyone danced.
Funny
In a comical manner;
She acted comically
Funny
Entertaining because of being humorous.
She has a funny way of telling stories.
Funny
Tinged with irony or peculiarity.
It's funny that he mentioned that, I was just thinking the same.
FAQs
Can Lame be considered an offensive term?
When referring to disability, it can be considered insensitive. Context matters.
Is Lame always negative?
Most modern colloquial uses are negative, but it originally described a physical condition without judgment.
Which word, between Funny and Lame, is more positive in connotation?
Funny has a positive connotation, indicating humor or amusement.
How did Lame evolve from describing disability to criticism?
Over time, colloquialisms adopted the term to denote weakness or lack of effort, expanding its original meaning.
Do Funny and Lame describe similar emotions?
No, Funny describes amusement, while Lame often indicates disappointment.
Can a joke be both Funny and Lame?
Yes, it's subjective. Some might find a joke amusing (funny) while others deem it unoriginal (lame).
How can one discern if Funny is used to describe humor or oddity?
Context usually clarifies the intended meaning of Funny.
Can something be "funny" as in strange, not humorous?
Yes, Funny can mean peculiar or odd, not just humorous.
Do Funny and Lame have equivalents in other languages?
Most languages have words for humor and disappointment, but direct equivalents might differ in nuance.
Are there synonyms for Lame when describing disappointment?
Yes, terms like "pathetic" or "weak" can be synonyms in some contexts.
Can Funny be used sarcastically?
Yes, like "Oh, that's funny!" when something is actually problematic.
Is it more sensitive to use alternatives to Lame when referring to disabilities?
Yes, terms like "mobility-impaired" are more respectful.
Is it okay to use Lame to describe things, not people?
It's more acceptable, but it's always good to be aware of the connotations.
Do age groups perceive Lame differently?
Possibly. Older generations might connect it more to disability, while younger ones see it as slang for "uncool."
How do Funny and Lame fit in the world of internet memes?
Memes can be labeled Funny if they're humorous, and Lame if they're seen as unoriginal or outdated.
Can Funny be used to describe a person's character?
Yes, as in "She has a funny personality."
How prevalent is the use of Lame in modern slang?
Quite common, especially among younger demographics.
Does Lame always imply a lack of effort?
Not always, but in colloquial slang, it often suggests something subpar.
What's a synonym for Funny in the context of humor?
"Hilarious" is a strong synonym for something very amusing.
Can a situation be both Funny and Lame?
It's subjective, but a situation might be amusing (funny) yet also disappointingly predictable (lame).
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
