The idiom "crack me up" conveys that something or someone is hilariously funny or highly amusing. It means to burst into laughter, often uncontrollably, due to something exceptionally funny.

In short:

"Crack me up" is an idiomatic expression that signifies something is so funny it induces intense laughter.

What Does "Crack Me Up" Mean?

"Crack me up" is a colloquial phrase that represents the action of laughing hard, typically in response to a joke or a funny situation. When something cracks you up, it makes you laugh uncontrollably or hysterically.

Let's delve into its main interpretations:

• People use it to express amusement or appreciation of humor in a conversation or situation.
• It is applicable to both people and situations that are amusing or entertaining.
• Although people mostly use the phrase in informal settings, it can be relevant in various contexts involving humor and amusement.

Where Does "Crack Me Up" Come From?

The exact origin of the phrase "crack me up" is unclear. However, it is believed to have emerged from American slang in the early 20th century. The term "crack" was often used in the sense of "burst" or "break into pieces," which likely translated metaphorically into bursting into laughter.

Historical Example

"Yes, I dare say he does crack me up. Don't believe all he said about me."

-The Oriental Sporting Magazine, 1870

10 Examples of "Crack Me Up" in Sentences

Here are some examples of the idiom in use:

• My husband's jokes and witty remarks are like happy pills that crack me up and brighten my day.
• The comic's witty one-liners cracked me up.
• When my cutie pie niece started dancing, it cracked me up instantly.
• You're a peach for cheering my day; your jokes never fail to crack me up.
• I watched a comedy movie that really cracked me up.
• Her humorous anecdotes about her pet crack me up.
• I swiped right on his profile because his witty bio cracked me up.
• Reading satirical cartoons in the newspaper cracks me up.
• The photo of your chillin' cat cracks me up.
• The bloopers at the end of the show cracked me up.

Examples of "Crack Me Up" in Pop Culture

The phrase "crack me up" often appears in pop culture, typically in comedies or humorous contexts.

Let's explore some instances:

• The song "You Crack Me Up" by Huey Lewis and The News from their album "Sports" (1983) uses the phrase in a humorous context.
• "Crack Me Up" is a comedy special by the stand-up comedian Brian Regan.
• "You Crack Me Up!: Chick and Dee's Big Book of Fun" is a 2008 book by Jay Stephens and Steven Charles Manale. It is a collection of comics, puzzles, games, and jokes featuring characters from the children's magazine chickaDEE.

Other/Different Ways to Say "Crack Me Up"

There are several alternative expressions that convey a similar meaning to "crack me up."

Here are some of them:

• Tickle my funny bone
• Have me in stitches
• Make me laugh out loud
• Have me rolling in the aisles
• Make me giggle

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Crack Me Up":

• What does "crack me up" mean?

"Crack me up" is a phrase used to express intense laughter or amusement caused by something funny or entertaining.

• How can I use "crack me up" in a sentence?

You can use "crack me up" to indicate amusement or laughter. For instance, "The stand-up comedian's jokes really cracked me up."

• Where does the idiom "crack me up" come from?

The phrase "crack me up" is believed to have originated from American slang in the early 20th century, with "crack" metaphorically representing the act of bursting into laughter.

• Can you use the phrase to describe both people and situations?

Yes, you can use "crack me up" to describe both amusing people and humorous situations or events.

• Is "crack me up" used only in informal contexts?

While the phrase is most commonly used in informal and conversational contexts, it can also be employed in more formal writing, provided it fits the overall tone and style.

• Is it okay to use it in written English or just in spoken English?

The phrase "crack me up" can be used in both spoken and written English.

• Can you use it in a negative way?

No, "crack me up" typically carries a positive connotation, referring to the enjoyment or amusement derived from humor.

• Can you use it to describe a humorous object?

Yes, if an object is part of or the cause of a funny situation, you can say it "cracks you up."

• Does "crack me up" imply a physical action?

No, "crack me up" is metaphorical and does not refer to any physical action. It represents the act of laughing hard or finding something very amusing.

• Does "crack me up" have equivalents in other languages?

Yes, the concept of finding something extremely funny is universal, and most languages have phrases or idioms that convey this sentiment.

Final Thoughts About "Crack Me Up"

When someone or something "cracks you up," it means that you find it extremely funny, and it's difficult to stop yourself from laughing. The idiom creates an atmosphere of shared enjoyment and camaraderie.

Here's a quick recap:

• The term "crack me up" refers to finding something highly amusing or hilarious.
• It is commonly used in informal and conversational English.
• The idiom is a celebration of humor and shared enjoyment.

Whether it's a joke that gets us giggling or a comedic movie that has us in stitches, we've all had moments that crack us up. It's these instances of shared humor and enjoyment that remind us of the lighter side of life and the joy of laughter.