Getting to Know the "Funnies"
If you grew up reading the Sunday newspaper, you likely have fond memories of racing to a specific section filled with colorful drawings and witty dialogue. This beloved part of the paper is affectionately known as the funnies. While the world of visual storytelling has moved largely to digital screens and graphic novels, this charming term remains a staple in the English language, representing a long history of humor and satire in print.
What Exactly are the Funnies?
The funnies is a plural noun that refers to a sequence of drawings—often called comic strips—that tell a story, share a joke, or provide social commentary. Historically, these appeared in daily or Sunday newspapers. While the word implies something "funny," the content of the funnies can range from slapstick comedy and lighthearted gags to political satire and dramatic serials.
Key characteristics include:
- Sequential art: Stories are told through a series of panels.
- Characters: Iconic recurring characters that readers grow to know over years.
- Dialog bubbles: Speech or thought bubbles used to convey what characters are saying or thinking.
Usage and Grammar
When using the word funnies, it is important to remember that it is always treated as a plural noun. You will rarely hear someone refer to a single comic strip as "a funny." Instead, you would call a single strip a "comic," "comic strip," or "cartoon."
Here are a few ways to use the word in a sentence:
- "My grandfather never started his day without reading the funnies over a cup of coffee."
- "The funnies in today’s paper are particularly clever."
- "I used to save the Sunday funnies to read them all at once later in the week."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistake English learners make is using the word as an adjective or a singular noun. For example, saying "Look at that funny" to describe a single comic strip sounds unnatural to a native speaker. Always remember to use the plural form and keep it strictly as a noun.
Another point of confusion is the difference between "funny" (the adjective) and "the funnies" (the noun). If you say, "That joke is funny," you are describing the quality of the joke. If you say, "I read the funnies," you are referring to a specific section of a publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it still common to hear people say "the funnies"?
While the term is slightly nostalgic, it is still widely understood. Older generations use it more frequently, but even younger people use it to describe the comic section of a newspaper.
Can I use "funnies" to describe a website or a webcomic?
Technically, no. The term is traditionally associated with print media. If you are referring to online comics, it is better to simply call them "webcomics" or "online comics."
Are the funnies always meant to be humorous?
Not necessarily. While the name suggests humor, many historical comic strips were adventure serials or political cartoons that were not intended to be "funny" in the traditional sense.
Conclusion
The funnies represent a delightful slice of print culture that has brought joy to millions of readers for over a century. By understanding that this term is a plural noun reserved for the comic section of a publication, you can use it with confidence. Whether you are browsing an old archive or simply chatting about newspaper traditions, you now have the tools to talk about these classic illustrated stories like a native speaker.