Explore 47 funny and silly words for kids, with meanings and example sentences. The collection includes playful verbs, unusual nouns, and expressions you can discuss during reading or use in a creative writing activity.
Some words are informal, uncommon, or describe people unkindly. Discuss their tone as well as their meaning, and use fictional examples rather than labelling classmates.
Silly Words for Kids
Here are 47 different words and expressions to explore:
1. Lollygag – to spend time aimlessly
Example: Stop lollygagging around and get your homework done!
2. Flummox – to bewilder or confuse
Example: The complex math problem flummoxed even the teacher.
3. Gobbledygook – language that is meaningless or hard to understand
Example: The science textbook was filled with gobbledygook that nobody could understand.
4. Hullabaloo – a fuss or commotion
Example: There was a lot of hullabaloo when the surprise guest arrived.
5. Discombobulate – to confuse or disconcert
Example: The magician managed to discombobulate the entire audience with his tricks.
6. Zigzag – a pattern of sharp turns or angles
Example: He drove in a zigzag to avoid the potholes in the road.
7. Poppycock – nonsense or rubbish talk
Example: “That’s complete poppycock!” she said, hearing the ridiculous excuse.
8. Blubber – to sob noisily
Example: After dropping her ice cream, the child began to blubber.
9. Quizzaciously – bantering or mocking
Example: The comedian quizzaciously poked fun at everyday situations.
10. Snickersnee – a long knife
Example: The pirate pulled out a snickersnee during the staged sword fight.
11. Balderdash – nonsense
Example: Don’t listen to his balderdash; he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.
12. Whirligig – something that whirls or revolves
Example: The whirligig in the yard spun around every time the wind blew.
13. Gibberish – nonsensical language or sounds
Example: The baby was talking gibberish, but it was cute.
14. Razzmatazz – elaborate activity or display designed to attract attention
Example: The school fair was full of razzmatazz, from jugglers to magicians.
15. Hodgepodge – a confusing mixture
Example: Her art project was a hodgepodge of different materials and colors.
16. Mumbo-Jumbo – nonsensical or meaningless language
Example: The spell in the movie was just mumbo-jumbo, but it sounded magical.
17. Kerfuffle – a commotion or fuss
Example: The lost dog caused a kerfuffle in the neighborhood.
18. Nincompoop – a foolish or stupid person
Example: Don’t be such a nincompoop; of course, you have to water plants.
19. Jibber-Jabber – nonsensical or fast talk
Example: Stop all that jibber-jabber and get to the point!
20. Skedaddle – to run away quickly
Example: As soon as the bell rang, the kids skedaddled out of the classroom.
21. Lickety-split – very quickly
Example: He finished his chores lickety-split to go play outside.
22. Flibbertigibbet – a frivolous or flighty person
Example: The character in the play was such a flibbertigibbet, always changing her mind.
23. Wobble – to move unsteadily from side to side
Example: The table began to wobble when he leaned on it.
24. Guffaw – a loud and boisterous laugh
Example: The joke made everyone in the room guffaw.
25. Zany – amusingly unconventional or idiosyncratic
Example: The zany teacher wore a different hat every day.
26. Ragamuffin – a person wearing tattered clothes
Example: The character in the story was a lovable ragamuffin.
27. Codswallop – nonsense or rubbish
Example: That’s complete codswallop; there’s no such thing as a flying pig.
28. Pitter-Patter – a light tapping or drumming sound
Example: The pitter-patter of rain on the window was relaxing.
29. Shenanigans – secret or dishonest activity
Example: The kids were up to shenanigans when they snuck into the kitchen for cookies.
30. Blatherskite – a person who talks nonsense
Example: Don’t pay attention to the blatherskite; his stories are tall tales.
31. Brouhaha – an uproar or big event
Example: The surprise birthday party turned into a brouhaha when everyone showed up.
32. Claptrap – absurd or nonsensical talk or ideas
Example: The debate devolved into claptrap with both sides refusing to listen.
33. Topsy-Turvy – upside-down
Example: The room was topsy-turvy after the kids played in it.
34. Doohickey – a name for an article or object whose name is unknown
Example: Hand me that doohickey over there; it’ll fix this.
35. Canoodle – to hug and kiss
Example: The puppies seemed to canoodle when they nuzzled together.
36. Falderal – trivial or nonsensical fuss
Example: All this falderal over a simple mistake is unnecessary.
37. Hobnob – to associate familiarly with someone, typically to gain an advantage
Example: She was hobnobbing with the other team to learn their strategies.
38. Yap – to talk noisily or stupidly; idle chatter
Example: Quit yapping and let’s get to work!
39. Flabbergasted – extremely surprised or shocked
Example: He was flabbergasted when he saw the giant cake.
40. Lagoon – a stretch of salt water separated from the sea by a low sandbank or coral reef Example: The toy boat floated lazily across the small lagoon.
44. Whirligig – an object that spins or whirls
Example: The whirligig in the yard spun like crazy in the strong wind.
41. Snickerdoodle – a type of cookie made with butter and rolled in cinnamon sugar Example: Mom’s snickerdoodles are the best; they melt in your mouth!
42. Squeegee – a tool with a rubber blade, used for wiping away liquid on a surface Example: Use a squeegee to clean the windows for a streak-free shine.
43. Cattywampus – askew or awry
Example: The painting was hanging cattywampus on the wall.
44. Thingamabob – an object whose name you have forgotten or do not know
Example: Hand me that thingamabob; I need it to finish this project.
45. Dillydally – to waste time through indecision
Example: Don’t dillydally; we’re going to be late!
46. Humdinger – a striking or extraordinary person or thing
Example: That movie was a real humdinger; I didn’t see the twist coming.
47. Earmuff – a protective covering for the ears especially against cold
Example: Don’t forget your earmuffs; it’s really chilly outside!
Conclusion
Choose three unfamiliar words, read their meanings, and ask students to write a short scene that makes the meaning clear. Partners can identify the context clues and suggest a more ordinary word with a similar meaning.
Sources and further readings
The silly words for kids listed above are common in the English language and often pop up in various dictionaries, children’s literature, and educational resources. Here are sources where you can find definitions and usage examples for these and several other humorous terms:
- Merriam-Webster Dictionary: A well-respected resource for definitions, this dictionary offers explanations for words like “flummox,” “discombobulate,” and “nincompoop.”
- Oxford English Dictionary (OED): Known for its comprehensive coverage of English, the OED provides historical contexts and detailed definitions for words such as “hullabaloo” and “gobbledygook.”
- Cambridge Dictionary: This is another reputable source for finding clear definitions and pronunciations, particularly useful for words like “balderdash” and “kerfuffle.”
- Dictionary.com: A user-friendly online dictionary that gives definitions and often includes the word’s origin, perfect for words like “poppycock” and “jibber-jabber.”
- Collins Dictionary: Collins provides accessible definitions and usage examples, making it a great place to look up words such as “skedaddle” and “lickety-split.”
- Children’s Literature: Many of these words can be found in children’s books where they’re used in context to tell a story or create a rhyme, which can be especially helpful for understanding and retention.
- Educational Websites and Apps: Websites like PBS Kids, Funbrain, and Scholastic often feature games and activities that incorporate these words, providing a fun learning experience for kids.
Turn Wordplay into a Writing Activity
Start with a plain sentence, such as “The toys were mixed together.” Try “The toys were a hodgepodge,” then discuss how the wording changes the tone. Encourage students to check unfamiliar pronunciations and usage in a dictionary.
For action words specifically, explore 30 funny verbs with examples. For describing characters and objects, see describing words for kids.
Find more learning resources for kids for vocabulary practice and creative classroom activities.
