18th - 19th Century Jokes Most People Today Might Not 'Get'

By | April 24, 2017

Some jokes are timeless and can make people laugh no matter the century. But most jokes are highly reliant on the context of the times. For example, our jokes today about doctors have less to do with blood-letting and razors (thank goodness!).

Let's make a look at some jokes from the 18th and 19th century that might leave a few of us today scratching our heads. Or, who knows, you might have the same humor as people hundreds of years ago!

How are young ladies like arrows?
Because they are all a quiver in the presence of a beau.

Which word may be pronounced quicker by adding another syllable?
Quick!

What do you call a tumbler full of whiskey?
A drunken gymnast.

A man says to a girl he’s courting, “I am a millionaire, haven’t I got enough money for the both of us?”
The girl replies, “yes, but only if your tastes are very modest.

How do you get used to the waltz?
Just remember it’s the way of the whirled.

What can you fill a barrel with to make it lighter?
Holes!

Which is the favorite word among women?
The last one.

Why does a chambermaid have more lives than a cat?
Because every morning she returns to dust.

Why do they call an engagement a match?
Because they are so easily broken.

A foolish fellow was asked how he funded his travel abroad and he replied “by my wits, of course.”
The other retorted, “you must have traveled very cheaply then.”

A wife says to her husband, “I’ll bet you sixpence you can’t find me!”
The husband replies, “I’ll bet you sixpence I don’t look!”

When a lady is sewing she is not what she seams.

How do you keep jellies so they don’t go moldy?
Keep the pantry door open and the children of the house will soon solve the problem for you!

What do you call men who hate long sentences?
Criminals.

One man says to another, “it is said that Dame Fortune knocks on everyone’s door!”
The other replies, “no, it was her daughter, Miss Fortune, who visited me.”