Droll
/droʊl/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Droll means amusing or funny, but not in a loud or obvious way. It often refers to humor that is a little strange, clever, or unexpected, making people smile or chuckle quietly. It can describe a person, story, or situation that is lightly humorous in a unique way.
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See It in Action
Amusing in a quiet, clever, or unusual way
- •His droll sense of humor made the meeting more enjoyable without loud jokes.
- •The movie had many droll moments that made the audience smile softly.
- •She told a droll story about her strange day at work.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "droll" like "funny," but quieter and more unusual—like a small, clever joke instead of a big laugh
- ✓Picture a person telling a story with a calm, serious face but the words are silly or strange, making you smile secretly
- ✓It’s the feeling when you hear a joke that is smart and odd, not loud or silly, but it makes you think and smile
- ✓Sounds like "droll" → imagine rolling a small ball quietly while telling a clever joke, soft and smooth
- ✓Think of a character in a movie who makes dry, clever comments that make the audience smile quietly, not laugh out loud
- ✓NOT like "funny" that makes people laugh loudly; "droll" is more subtle and unusual humor
- ✓NOT like "silly" which is loud and obvious; "droll" is calm and clever humor
- ✓NOT like "serious" because droll always has some humor, but it’s low-key and a bit strange
Try Other Words
- •Amusing: causing laughter or enjoyment (Use when humor is clear but not necessarily strange or clever)
- •Witty: showing quick and clever humor (Use when humor is smart and clever, similar to droll but often more sharp)
- •Quirky: unusual in a charming or interesting way (Use when humor comes from odd or strange behavior)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: (no clear prefix or suffix) — root word "droll"
- •Etymology: From French "drolle" meaning “a joker” or “amusing person”
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s, originally meaning a jester or funny person; later used to describe dry, unusual humor
- •Modern usage: Used mostly as an adjective to describe humor or people who are quietly funny in a clever or odd way
Reflect & Connect
•How might droll humor be different in different cultures or languages?
•Can something be too droll, making it hard for others to understand the humor?
Fill in the blanks
1.The comedian’s droll style made the audience ___ quietly rather than laugh loudly.
2.Her droll comments often have a ___ meaning that makes you think.
3.Unlike loud jokes, droll humor is usually ___ and unexpected.
4.He told a droll story about his day that was both strange and ___.
5.People who use droll humor often speak in a calm, ___ way.
6.The movie’s droll moments were perfect for viewers who like ___ humor.
7.When someone is droll, their humor is clever but not ___ obvious.