# I'm not being funny

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/im-not-being-funny
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Used as a softening preface to a statement that might be taken as offensive or malicious.

## Examples

- I'm not being funny, but your shirt is inside out.
- I'm not being funny, but I think we need to be more honest about why this project is failing.
- I'm not being funny, but if we continue to ignore these structural flaws, the entire foundation of our argument will inevitably collapse.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.