zany
Say it: ZAY-nee /ˈzeɪni/ · adjective
What “zany” means
Funny because it's wildly silly and unusual.
More precisely: Amusingly unconventional and wildly comic.
Example: “The ad's zany humour — a dancing lobster selling insurance — made it go viral.”
When to use it
Use it for energetic, absurd humour or behaviour that seems wildly unconventional; it usually expresses amused approval.
Similar words
wacky, madcap, absurd
Where it comes from
From Italian zanni, a clownish servant in commedia dell'arte.
Quick check
A comedy sketch features a tap-dancing fridge chasing a giant sandwich through a kitchen. Its humour is…
understated or zany?
Show the answer
zany
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