The average office worker gets 121 emails a day. Most of them? Dull, lifeless, and instantly forgotten.
If you want to be ignored, start with "I hope this email finds you well." If you want to be read, make them smile from the first line.
Humor is one of the most powerful tools in communication. It charms, engages, and most importantly, makes you memorable.
The best salespeople, marketers, and leaders understand this. A well-placed joke or an unexpected opening can:
✅ Turn a cold email into a conversation
✅ Turn a routine follow-up into a relationship
✅ Turn an overlooked pitch into an opportunity
But humor can't only be about being funny. It makes the message human.
Inboxes today are overflowing with corporate jargon and robotic messages. A little wit? It cuts through the noise and reminds the reader:
There’s a real person behind this email.
In this article, we’ll share 10 witty, clever, and downright funny ways to start an email. Openers that make people pause, chuckle, and (most importantly) read on.
Strategic. Thoughtful. Designed to make you stand out in an inbox full of mediocrity.
Let’s begin.
Why Start an Email with Humor?
Emails are boring. Humor makes people stop. Pay attention. Remember you.
In an inbox drowning in pitches, requests, and polite corporate nonsense, getting noticed is everything. Here’s why humor works:
1. People Read What Entertains Them
People don’t read emails. They skim, scan, and look for any excuse to move on. But humor disrupts that pattern... it forces the reader to engage.
Take these two email openers:
❌ "Just following up on our conversation from last week."
✅ "I was going to open with a joke, but my legal team advised against it. So here I am, following up instead."
Which one do you think gets read?
If your email sounds like everyone else’s, it gets treated like everyone else’s. Ignored.
2. Humor Lowers Defenses
Humor is a psychological Trojan horse. It gets past the reader’s natural resistance.
If they’re expecting another dry, lifeless business email and instead get something lighthearted, they relax.
And relaxed people
📌 Are more likely to listen.
📌 Are more likely to trust.
📌 Are more likely to say yes.
That’s why the best salespeople don’t just pitch. They charm. They make you laugh. Because laughter builds rapport, and rapport leads to action.
3. It Makes You Memorable
People forget facts. They forget figures. But they don’t forget how you made them feel.
An email that sparks a smile is an email they remember.
And when they remember you, they:
✅ Reply to you
✅ Buy from you
✅ Work with you
4. It Sets the Tone
Emails dictate the energy of a conversation
If you start stiff, the response will be stiff.
If you start friendly, the conversation flows.
A lighthearted opener tells the reader:
📌 This won’t be boring.
📌 This will be easy.
📌 You’ll enjoy this.
And that makes all the difference.
Of course, humor isn’t for every email. If you’re delivering bad news, making a high-stakes pitch, or emailing someone with the sense of humor of a brick wall... just skip it.
But for everything else?
Make them smile. Make them read. Make them remember.
That’s how you win the inbox battle.
The Power of a First Impression in Email
Ever judged a book by its cover? Of course you have. We all do. And in the world of emails, your opening line is the cover.
First impressions in emails aren’t just important; they’re everything.
The first few lines determine whether your message gets read, skimmed, or sent straight to the email graveyard (a.k.a. the archive folder).
A flat, uninspired opening signals that the rest of your email will be just as forgettable. But an engaging, strategic introduction? That’s how you stand out.
A strong first impression does three things:
Grabs attention – Your recipient is busy. An attractive opening makes them pause instead of mindlessly clicking “next.”
Sets the tone – Whether you’re writing to a client, a colleague, or a cold lead, your opening establishes your personality and approachability.
Encourages engagement – People respond to emails that feel like they were written by a human, not a corporate AI bot from 2015.
How Humor Can Enhance Communication
Humor isn’t just for stand-up comedians or sitcom writers. It’s one of the most underrated superpowers in communication.
Whether you’re:
Breaking the ice with a new client
Surviving yet another team meeting
Following up on an email that’s been ghosted harder than a bad Tinder date
Humor makes your message more engaging, relatable, and memorable.
The Tension-Diffusing Magic of Humor
Let’s be real... work conversations can feel like a minefield of:
Corporate jargon
Passive-aggressive emails
Forced small talk about the weather
A well-placed joke can:
✅ Turn a stiff interaction into an easy-flowing conversation
✅ Help people relax and engage more openly
✅ Make tough conversations (like constructive feedback) easier to digest
Why Humor Helps Us Remember
Science backs this up! Our brains love humor!
You probably remember silly childhood jokes... but struggle to recall last week’s meeting agenda.
That’s because humor boosts attention and retention. In presentations, marketing, and training, a joke tied to a key message isn’t just entertaining... it’s a strategic advantage.
The Psychology Behind Humor in Emails
Ever noticed how a well-timed joke makes even a boring email fun to read?
Here’s why:
🧠 Humor triggers endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals
🎭 It creates a positive association with you, the sender
💡 It makes people more receptive to your message
And let’s be honest, emails can feel like an endless loop of:
Demands
Deadlines
“Gentle reminders” (aka passive-aggressive nudges)
A bit of humor cuts through the tension.
Instead of writing:
❌ "Just following up on my last email…"
Try:
✅ "Just circling back in case my last message got lost in the email Bermuda Triangle."
It’s light, engaging, and makes people more likely to respond.
Humor = Stronger Connections
Shared laughter creates camaraderie and trust.
In workplace settings, humor helps:
✔ Build better relationships
✔ Encourage collaboration
✔ Foster a culture where people feel safe sharing ideas
Teams that laugh together, work better together.
Using Humor Wisely
Before you turn every email into a comedy sketch, keep this in mind:
Read the room – What works for a close colleague might not land well with a client.
Avoid anything offensive – Stick to light, inclusive humor.
Keep it relevant – The best jokes tie into the situation naturally.
Whether you’re grabbing attention, easing a tough conversation, or just making someone’s day brighter, humor will turn an ordinary interaction into extraordinary connection.
Understanding the Tone of Your Email
As we said earlier, humor is a powerful tool. But like any tool, it works best when used with precision... otherwise, you might end up hammering a screw.
Tone shapes how your email is received. It’s not what you say, but how it lands. A well-placed joke can make you instantly likable, while a poorly timed one can make things awkward fast.
So how do you ensure your humor enhances your message rather than sabotages it? Let’s break it down.
1. Match the Mood to the Moment
Not every email needs a punchline. Some conversations demand clarity, urgency, or sensitivity. The right tone supports your goal, not distracts from it.
Think of it this way:
💼 Corporate Update? Keep it smart, not silly.
🎉 Celebratory Email? Go ahead, add some flair.
🔥 Urgent Request? Skip the jokes sir... get to the point.
🚫 “We’re undergoing major layoffs... knock-knock! Who’s there? Not half the company, haha.”
✅ “We’re making some tough decisions. Here’s what that means for our team.”
Bottom line? Read the room before cracking a joke.
2. Know Your Audience
A witty remark in the wrong inbox is like telling a dad joke at a board meeting... offbeat and unwelcome.
Ask yourself:
🤝 Do you know this person?
If yes, humor can strengthen the connection. If no, play it safe.
🏢 What’s their role?
A joke to a peer? Great. A joke to the CFO? Maybe not.
📩 What’s the purpose of this email?
If it’s a cold pitch, humor should break the ice. Not be the ice.
Humor should be a bridge, not a barrier. Use it wisely.
3. Keep It Sharp, Not Sloppy
A joke that drags on is worse than no joke at all. The best humor is quick, relevant, and effortless. If it feels forced, it reads forced. And nobody likes the try-hard.
🚫 “Happy Monday! If coffee isn’t helping, just pretend this email is interesting.”
✅ “Hope your Monday is going well. Or at least better than your inbox.”
The secret? If you’re second-guessing a joke, cut it.
The Dos and Don’ts of Using Humor in Emails
Ever opened an email and immediately regretted it? Yeah, us too. A wall of text. A robotic tone. A message so dull it could be used as a sleep aid.
Now, ever opened an email that made you smile?
One that feels like it was actually written by a human, not an AI trained on corporate jargon.
That’s the magic of humor. But like hot sauce, it needs to be used in the right amount.
A little? Perfect.
Too much? Now you’re sweating and questioning your choices.
Here’s how to strike the perfect balance.
✅ DO: Know Your Audience
A joke that kills in the marketing team’s group chat might bomb with a client who still thinks emojis are "unprofessional." Consider your relationship with the recipient, their industry, and their personality.
🔹 Safe bet: Light, observational humor.
🔹 Risky bet: Inside jokes, sarcasm, or anything that requires a footnote.
✅ "I’d love to discuss this more, but only if you promise there won’t be any ‘circle back’ or ‘touch base’ nonsense involved."
❌ "Let’s touch base before EOD so we can circle back next week and optimize our synergy." (Your reader just fell asleep.)
✅ DO: Keep It Light and Universal
Your email isn’t a stand-up set. Keep your humor playful, positive, and easy to grasp. Avoid edgy, niche, or culturally specific jokes that might not translate well.
🔹 Safe bet: Workplace struggles, relatable annoyances, or clever wordplay.
🔹 Risky bet: Politics, religion, or anything HR would frown upon.
✅ "Sending a follow-up because my last email must have gotten trapped in the mysterious vortex where socks and good pens disappear."
❌ "Following up again, unless you've been abducted by aliens, in which case, I totally understand." (Funny? Maybe. But do you really want to sound like the office conspiracy theorist?)
✅ DO: Use Humor as the Hook, Not the Whole Email
A witty opening grabs attention. But after that, get to the point. No one is reading your email for stand-up material; they just want to know what you want.
🔹 Safe bet: A quick, clever opener followed by clear messaging.
🔹 Risky bet: An email that feels like a bad improv show.
✅ "I was going to open with a joke, but my caffeine levels are dangerously low—so let’s get to it…"
❌ "Why did the email cross the inbox? To get to the reply button! Speaking of replies…" (Please. Stop.)
🚫 DON’T: Overdo It
A well-placed joke? Brilliant. A string of forced humor? Exhausting. If your email reads like a desperate attempt to be the “funny guy,” it’s time to dial it back.
🔹 Safe bet: One or two witty lines, max.
🔹 Risky bet: Every sentence trying to be a punchline.
✅ "Just following up—without the usual ‘just following up’ email snooze fest."
❌ "Following up like a detective on a case, except I don’t have a trench coat, a magnifying glass, or a noir monologue playing in the background. Unless you count my inner dialogue, which is very dramatic." (Your recipient just archived your email.)
🚫 DON’T: Use Humor When Delivering Bad News
Not every email needs humor. If you’re delivering bad news, apologizing, or discussing a serious topic, skip the jokes. Humor in the wrong context can come off as flippant or insensitive.
🔹 Safe bet: Professional, empathetic language.
🔹 Risky bet: Trying to "soften the blow" with humor.
✅ "We understand this isn’t the news you were hoping for, but we want to be upfront about the situation and work towards a solution."
❌ "Well, this is awkward… turns out we messed up big time! Whoops! Haha, anyway…" (No. Just no.)
🚫 DON’T: Force It If It’s Not Your Style
If humor doesn’t come naturally to you, don’t force it. Authenticity is more important than trying to be the next email comedian. If you’re second-guessing a joke, it’s probably best left out.
🔹 Safe bet: A warm, engaging tone that feels like you.
🔹 Risky bet: Trying too hard to be funny when it’s not your thing.
✅ "Looking forward to your thoughts!" (Simple, friendly, effective.)
❌ "Looking forward to your thoughts, unless your thoughts involve ignoring my email forever... then, not so much!" (Why are you like this?)
Tips for a Funny Email Icebreaker That Stays Professional
Using humor in emails is a balancing act, but with the right approach, it can be highly effective.
✅ Know Your Audience
Consider the personality and professional culture of your recipient.
A casual joke may work with a colleague, but a subtle approach is better for a client or boss.
✅ Keep It Short and Relevant
A quick, witty line is better than a long, drawn-out joke.
Humor should enhance, not overshadow, your main message.
Stay on-topic so your joke feels natural, not forced.
✅ Be Mindful and Inclusive
Avoid humor that might be misinterpreted or offensive.
When in doubt, play it safe with lighthearted, wholesome humor.
Writers note: And if all else fails… just don’t start with "I hope this email finds you well."
10 Hilarious Opening Lines for Different Scenarios
1. For a New Client Introduction:
"Hello [Client's Name], I hope this email finds you well and not buried under a mountain of unread emails like I am. Let’s dig ourselves out together!"
2. Following Up on a Proposal:
"Hi [Recipient's Name], I’m just checking in to see if my proposal has made its way to the top of your to-do list, or if it’s still enjoying its vacation at the bottom!"
3. For a Team Meeting Reminder:
"Greetings, Team! Just a friendly reminder that our meeting is on [date]. Let’s gather to solve all the world’s problems—one spreadsheet at a time!"
4. Reconnecting with a Colleague:
"Hey [Colleague's Name]! I thought I’d reach out before my email gets lost in the Bermuda Triangle of your inbox. How have you been?"
5. After a Networking Event:
"Hi [Name], it was great to meet you at [Event]! I hope you’ve recovered from the social overload and are ready to conquer the world with new connections!"
6. For a Customer Service Inquiry:
"Hello [Customer's Name]! I’m here to help you with your inquiry, so let’s tackle this issue faster than a squirrel on espresso!"
7. For a Birthday Greeting:
"Happy Birthday [Name]! I hope your day is filled with cake, laughter, and absolutely zero work emails!"
8. For a Job Application Follow-Up:
"Hi [Hiring Manager's Name], I hope this email finds you well and not too stressed out by the avalanche of applications. Just checking in to see if mine has floated to the top!"
9. For an Office Announcement:
"Attention, Office Warriors! This is your official notice that coffee is on me today. Let’s caffeinate and conquer our tasks!"
10. For a Thank You Note:
"Dear [Name], thank you for your assistance! I owe you a coffee, or three! Let’s make it a date before I forget!"
Examples of Successful Humorous Email Campaigns
Many brands have nailed humor in their email campaigns, making them more engaging and shareable.
BuzzFeed – Witty and Playful Newsletters
📩 What they do:
Use funny headlines and playful content
Keep emails lighthearted and relatable
Build a loyal audience that looks forward to their emails
🎯 Why it works: BuzzFeed’s humor enhances their brand identity and makes their content feel personal and engaging.
Dollar Shave Club – Viral, Laugh-Out-Loud Marketing
📩 What they do:
Launched with a hilarious viral video
Kept follow-up emails funny, casual, and full of personality
Used humorous visuals and witty copy to make subscribers smile
🎯 Why it works: Their humor made razor subscriptions exciting, encouraging people to share and engage, driving massive growth.
Mailchimp – Clever, Attention-Grabbing Emails
📩 What they do:
Use amusing illustrations and witty copy
Maintain a distinctive, humorous brand voice
Stand out in the crowded email marketing space
🎯 Why it works: Mailchimp’s humor makes their brand memorable while keeping communication fun and engaging.
Conclusion & Key Takeaways
Humor can transform your emails. Making them more:
✔ Engaging
✔ Memorable
✔ Enjoyable
By using humor wisely, you can:
💡 Break the ice and build stronger connections
💡 Create a positive first impression
💡 Make communication feel more personal and fun
As you experiment with humor, remember:
Tailor it to your audience and context
Use it to enhance your message, not distract from it
Find a balance between wit and professionalism
Go ahead! Embrace your inner comedian and watch your email game soar! 🚀