Etymology Journal ยท W
What a riot!
Meaning
- When something is a riot, it is hilariously funny. It implies that the person or situation is so amusing it causes an uproar of laughter.
Enthusiastic, amused
Used in a sentence
- Your brother is a riot at parties.
- The wedding speeches were a total riot this year.
- She is such a riot when she tells stories about her cats.
The backstory
This usage dates back to the 19th century. Calling something a riot suggests it is so funny it creates a sense of chaotic or intense joy.
Heard in
Nationwide
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