Sidesplitter

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A highly amusing joke or tale that causes intense laughter ; a person or thing that provokes uncontrollable laughter
2. An exceptionally funny narrative or remark that makes people laugh loudly ; someone or something known for producing strong amusement
3. A comedy piece or comment that induces loud, hearty laughter ; a comedian or item that elicits strong mirth

Etymology: "Sidesplitter" is a compound of "side" and "splitter", and the image behind it is literal: a joke so funny it makes you laugh until your sides ache, as if your ribs were being pulled apart. The "splitter" element is an agent noun from "split," so the word describes something that splits your sides with laughter. The sense of "side" here refers to the flank of the body, the area beneath the ribs where a laughing fit produces a stitch. Put together, the compound turns an ordinary anatomical part into a measure of comic force, and the word is used mainly for jokes, comedians and comedy routines rather than for anything physically dangerous.

Synonyms: laugh, comedian, joke, humor, guffaw

Antonyms: bore, groaner