in-joke

[in-johk]

noun

1. a joke that can be understood or appreciated only by the members of a limited group of people.

Word History and Origins

Origin of in-joke¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

The group has been bragging about hacks and sharing incomprehensible in-jokes for days.

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More than anything, it’s evidence that “Honey Don’t!” primarily exists as the couple’s own affectionate in-joke.

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It remained popular in that fandom, particularly among gamers making in-jokes about “Star Wars: Battlefront” and other releases set in the galaxy far, far away.

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A hidden in-joke in a movie or TV series is one thing; burying two slickly executed Easter eggs from your stars’ previous hits takes things to another level.

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To cut down on costs, this “Naked Gun” shot some of its Los Angeles scenes in Atlanta, and as a pointed industry in-joke, inserts views of downtown L.A. that become increasingly unrecognizable and absurd.

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