jayus
Jayus is an Indonesian loanword used to describe a joke that is so poorly told or so unfunny that it becomes amusing due to the sheer awkwardness of the situation. It captures the specific feeling of a "groaner"—the kind of joke that elicits a sigh or an eye roll rather than a genuine laugh. While the term originates from Indonesian, it has been adopted by English speakers to describe the "so bad it's good" phenomenon. It is used in informal settings, typically among friends who are comfortable enough to tease each other about their terrible sense of humor.
In conversation
Friend group telling bad jokes
Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.
Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field.
Oh my god, that is such a jayus. Stop.
Oh my god, that is such a jayus. Stop.
Used to call out a classic 'dad joke' that is painfully unfunny.
Awkward first date
What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.
What do you call a fake noodle? An impasta.
... That was definitely a jayus. I think I need a drink.
... That was definitely a jayus. I think I need a drink.
Used to acknowledge a joke that fell flat during a social interaction.
Examples
He told a total jayus at the party.
He told a total jayus at the party.
Her attempt at a pun was a complete jayus, leaving the entire room in awkward silence.
Her attempt at a pun was a complete jayus, leaving the entire room in awkward silence.
Despite the jayus nature of his humor, he somehow manages to be the life of every gathering.
Despite the jayus nature of his humor, he somehow manages to be the life of every gathering.
