Back in Time Today
Hannah Gadsby has redefined comedy with her unique blend of humor, storytelling, and social commentary. Known for her sharp wit and fearless takes on gender, identity, and societal norms, she has captivated audiences worldwide. Here are 19 of Hannah Gadsby’s funniest and most insightful jokes that showcase her brilliant comedic style.
1. “I don’t think I’m very good at being a woman. I tried to be one, but I was bad at it. So now I’m just doing this instead.”
In this clever quip, Hannah humorously addresses the societal pressure of fitting into traditional gender roles. Her candid admission of trying and failing to “be a woman” as defined by societal norms resonates with anyone who’s ever felt out of place in their own skin. Gadsby’s ability to turn personal struggle into comedy allows her audience to laugh while also contemplating deeply ingrained gender expectations. By “doing this instead,” she underscores the importance of forging one’s own path. It’s a reminder that authenticity often leads to happiness, even if it defies conventional labels.
2. “People say, ‘Oh, Hannah, you should smile more.’ And I say, ‘Oh, you should listen more.’”
This witty exchange captures Hannah’s sharp retort to a common, unsolicited piece of advice directed at women. Her quick comeback not only challenges the notion that women need to appear pleasant at all times but also highlights the importance of active listening. By flipping the script, Gadsby underscores a broader societal issue—the tendency to impose superficial standards on women. Her humor serves as a powerful tool that both entertains and educates, urging audiences to reconsider the emphasis placed on appearance over substance. It’s a laugh-out-loud moment with a strong message.
3. “I’m not good at small talk. I like big talk. Let’s start with childhood trauma and work our way from there.”
Hannah Gadsby flips the script on the social norm of engaging in small talk. Her preference for “big talk,” diving straight into meaningful conversations, is a refreshing take on interpersonal interactions. This joke resonates particularly with those who value depth over superficiality. Gadsby’s candid delivery and willingness to tackle serious subjects head-on highlight her unique approach to comedy. It’s a nod to those who feel uncomfortable with the mundane chit-chat, encouraging them to embrace more profound discussions. By challenging norms, she reminds us of the power in connecting over shared experiences and vulnerabilities.
4. “Why is it that men are always saying, ‘Women aren’t funny’? That’s like going to a bakery and saying, ‘This place doesn’t sell tires.’”
Hannah Gadsby uses her signature wit to dismantle a common stereotype about women in comedy. Comparing it to an absurd scenario like seeking tires in a bakery, she highlights the ridiculousness of such claims. Her analogy underscores the bias women often face in industries dominated by men. By presenting this comparison, Gadsby not only elicits laughter but also prompts critical reflection on gender biases. Her humor serves as both entertainment and a catalyst for change, encouraging audiences to question and challenge outdated notions. It’s a comedic moment that leaves a lasting impression.
5. “As a lesbian, I often get asked, ‘How do you know you don’t like men if you’ve never tried?’ And I say, ‘How do you know you don’t like cat food?’”
With this hilarious analogy, Hannah Gadsby addresses a frequent misconception about sexual orientation. Her comparison of trying men to trying cat food is both absurd and enlightening, cleverly highlighting the flawed logic behind such questions. Gadsby’s humor is both cutting and illuminating, offering a fresh perspective on understanding one’s identity without needing validation from others. The joke is a brilliant reminder of the importance of respecting people’s experiences and identities without questioning them. It’s a lighthearted yet impactful way to dismantle stereotypes and promote acceptance through laughter.
6. “I once got mistaken for a man at a bar. A woman came up to me and said, ‘Excuse me, sir, you’re in the wrong bathroom.’ And I said, ‘Excuse me, ma’am, I just don’t care.’”
Hannah Gadsby’s light-hearted recount of a bathroom mix-up showcases her ability to defuse potentially awkward situations with humor. Her nonchalant response to being mistaken for a man underscores her confidence and indifference to conventional gender norms. This joke resonates with anyone who’s ever faced assumptions based on appearance. Gadsby’s humor offers a gentle yet effective way to challenge stereotypes, emphasizing the importance of self-assurance and the freedom to be oneself without concern for others’ perceptions. It’s an empowering reminder to navigate life’s misunderstandings with poise and wit.
7. “Do you know what the worst part of a conversation is? The part where you have to talk.”
This joke speaks to the introvert in all of us, capturing the often-overlooked discomfort of engaging in conversation. Hannah Gadsby humorously highlights the irony of conversation—where silence can sometimes be more revealing than words. Her jest underscores the societal pressure to constantly communicate, even when words might not suffice. Through her humor, Gadsby offers a relatable insight into the nuances of social interaction. It’s a gentle reminder that sometimes, the best connections are made not through words, but through shared silence. Her comedy celebrates the beauty of quiet understanding.
8. “I used to think self-deprecation was a good way to be relatable. Then I realized—no one needs to see a comedian beat themselves up when the world is already doing it for them.”
In this insightful joke, Hannah Gadsby critiques the common comedic trope of self-deprecation. She points out the unnecessary harshness comedians often inflict on themselves, especially when the world already offers enough criticism. By acknowledging the harm in constant self-ridicule, Gadsby encourages a shift towards more uplifting and empowering humor. Her message is clear: comedy should be a space for growth and positivity, not just self-inflicted jabs. This thought-provoking take challenges both comedians and audiences to seek humor that uplifts and resonates on a deeper level. It’s comedy with a conscience.
9. “Some people say I look angry on stage. I say, ‘That’s just my face. And, honestly, it’s earned the right to be here.’”
Hannah Gadsby playfully addresses perceptions of her on-stage demeanor with this honest quip. By acknowledging her “angry” expression, she deftly turns the critique into a declaration of self-acceptance. Her humor highlights the double standard often faced by women who don’t conform to expected emotional expressions. Gadsby’s joke resonates with anyone who’s been told to smile more, offering a powerful message about owning one’s feelings and presence. It’s a humorous reminder to embrace authenticity and challenge societal expectations of how one should appear or feel. Her comedy champions self-expression without compromise.
10. “I hate it when people say, ‘You’ll find someone when you least expect it.’ Great. I’ll just stop expecting to find my car keys too.”
Hannah Gadsby uses her sharp wit to critique the cliché advice often given about love. Her comparison to finding car keys adds a layer of humor to the frustration many feel with unsolicited relationship advice. The joke resonates with anyone who’s tired of the platitudes surrounding love and timing. By humorously equating romantic success to a mundane task, Gadsby encourages audiences to find humor in the often overwhelming world of dating. It’s a clever reminder to approach life’s uncertainties with levity and to trust in one’s own timing, rather than societal expectations.
11. “People ask why I’m not married. I say, ‘Because I love my alone time, and I don’t want to argue about thermostat settings.’”
This joke by Hannah Gadsby pokes fun at societal expectations around marriage and relationships. Her humorous take on the joys of solitude and the trivial arguments that can occur in partnerships offers a fresh perspective on independence. The thermostat setting becomes a metaphor for the compromises often involved in sharing one’s life with another. Gadsby’s humor celebrates the freedom to enjoy one’s own company without succumbing to external pressures to couple up. It’s a witty reminder that happiness can be found in self-sufficiency and that being single is a valid and fulfilling choice.
12. “You know what’s funny? Women apologizing for taking up space. You know what’s not funny? That we feel we have to.”
Hannah Gadsby calls out the societal pressures that compel women to apologize for their existence. Her joke highlights the absurdity and seriousness of women feeling the need to minimize themselves. By bringing this issue to light through humor, Gadsby encourages audiences to reflect on the internalized expectations placed on women. The joke serves as both a critique and a call to action, urging women to reclaim their right to occupy space without apology. It’s a powerful comedic moment that challenges norms and champions equality, inspiring women to stand tall and proud.
13. “I once went on a blind date. It was awful. The only thing we had in common was that neither of us wanted to be there.”
In this classic dating disaster story, Hannah Gadsby humorously captures the universal experience of an awkward blind date. Her candid recount of the mutual disinterest between her and her date offers a lighthearted take on the challenges of modern dating. The joke resonates with anyone who’s ever endured a less-than-stellar romantic encounter, emphasizing the importance of shared connection over forced interactions. Through her humor, Gadsby both entertains and reassures audiences that not every date needs to be perfect. It’s a comedic reminder to embrace the imperfections and laugh at life’s little misadventures.
14. “People say I should be more feminine. I say, ‘Okay, but define feminine without using the words ‘pink’ or ‘pretty.’”
Hannah Gadsby humorously challenges the narrow and stereotypical definitions of femininity. By asking others to define “feminine” without using clichéd descriptors like “pink” or “pretty,” she exposes the limitations of these societal norms. Her joke encourages a broader, more inclusive understanding of gender expression. Gadsby’s humor invites audiences to question and redefine what it means to be feminine, pushing against outdated stereotypes. This joke is both a playful challenge and a profound commentary on embracing individuality. It’s a call to celebrate diverse expressions of womanhood, free from restrictive labels.
15. “You ever get so tired that you start arguing with your own thoughts? ‘I should go to bed.’ ‘No, let’s scroll through our phone for another two hours.’”
Hannah Gadsby captures a modern-day struggle with this relatable joke about battling one’s own thoughts. Her depiction of internal debates over sleep versus screen-time resonates with the sleep-deprived everywhere. It’s a humorous nod to the common habit of sacrificing rest for the allure of endless scrolling. Gadsby’s comedy reveals the absurd yet familiar struggle of prioritizing distractions over well-being. Through her humor, she highlights the often irrational decisions driven by fatigue. It’s a light-hearted reminder to recognize these moments and perhaps choose rest over screen, bringing a smile to those navigating similar dilemmas.
16. “I don’t believe in soulmates. I believe in people who don’t chew loudly and understand personal space.”
Hannah Gadsby’s humorous take on relationships presents a realistic alternative to the romanticized idea of soulmates. By focusing on simple compatibilities like respecting personal space and quiet eating, she offers a refreshing perspective on companionship. This joke resonates with anyone who’s felt overwhelmed by the traditional narrative of finding “the one.” Gadsby encourages audiences to appreciate the smaller, everyday compatibilities that make relationships worthwhile. Her wit challenges conventional romantic ideals, advocating for connections based on mutual respect and comfort. It’s a clever reminder that love often flourishes in the unremarkable moments.
17. “The best part about being single is that no one tries to talk to you while you’re eating chips.”
In this light-hearted joke, Hannah Gadsby celebrates the simple joys of single life. Her appreciation for uninterrupted chip-eating humorously highlights the freedom and peace that comes with solitude. It’s a playful nod to the autonomy and personal space that singlehood affords. Gadsby’s humor resonates with those who cherish their alone time, offering a comedic perspective on the perks of being single. Her joke encourages audiences to find humor and contentment in the little things, appreciating the independence of living on one’s own terms. It’s a joyful reminder to savor solitary moments.
18. “I once had a guy tell me I ‘wasn’t his type.’ And I was like, ‘Great, because you’re not mine either. This worked out beautifully!’”
Hannah Gadsby expertly delivers this joke about mutual disinterest with confidence and humor. Her quick retort to a man’s comment about her not being his type showcases her self-assured attitude. The joke is a celebration of embracing one’s uniqueness and the freedom that comes with not fitting into someone else’s expectations. Gadsby’s humor empowers audiences to laugh at rejection and find joy in self-acceptance. It’s a comedic reminder of the importance of valuing oneself and recognizing that not every encounter needs to result in compatibility. Her wit transforms rejection into a liberating conclusion.
19. “Confidence is just faking it until you forget you’re faking it.”
Hannah Gadsby’s insightful perspective on confidence offers a humorous yet profound take on self-esteem. By suggesting that confidence is a matter of “faking it,” she demystifies the concept, making it accessible to all. Her joke resonates with anyone who’s ever struggled with self-doubt, encouraging a mindset shift towards self-belief. Gadsby’s humor underlines the idea that confidence doesn’t require perfection, but rather persistence. It’s a playful reminder that sometimes pretending to be confident can lead to genuine self-assurance. Her comedy inspires audiences to embrace imperfections and cultivate inner strength through practice.