The phrase "it's a joke" is often used to lighten a situation as a defense mechanism. Saying "it's only a joke" is often used when the person has not understood or got offended. Reasons may include:

1. The person was genuinely joking and did not mean to cause confusion or offense
2. The person is backing down after upsetting someone

3. The other person fails to see the point, and is reassured that it's not serious
Ben: "I'm so bored, I hate my job! I wish I could grab a beer!"
Boss overhears Ben's comment to his friend
Boss: "How about I fire you? Then you can get a beer, and a new job!"

Ben: "😳 Sorry boss, I was only joking! Look, I'm writing my report now!"

Boss "....."

Person 1: "There are three kinds of people in the world, those who can count and those who can't."

Person 2: "HOW does that make sense?"

Person 1: "It's a joke."
by Lavynia April 5, 2016
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Telling a joke and someone taking it seriously but are too embarrassed to admit it, so they try to cover it up with another joke.
Girl #1: OMG that shirt makes you look fat.
Girl #2: It's just the material!
Girl #1: I was just kidding..
Girl #2: Oh, yeah I know; me too.
Girl #1: No joke on joke.
by Melanieee June 10, 2008
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1) A type of statement or question that sounds or looks as though it is humorous, but is in fact, not in any way funny. Also called a non-entendre. Usually simply a reference, or a non-sequitur that is not even accidentally funny. Followed either by the phrase "get it?" or by immediate, raucous laughter if the audience are hipsters. (Hipsters are notorious for laughing at jokes they don't understand, to feign comprehension.)

2) A joke similar to 1., but with the intention of frustrating or confusing the audience, rather than pleasing them.
1) Bill: I drank so much milk I fell down, and I was like, whoa, what is this, Terminator 2?
(A minute of silence)
Mike: Bill, that's a lone, confusing reference, not a joke. It is also not a witty observation. You have now performed a hat trick of no-joke jokes, and unless you stop talking, we will throw you out of your own party.

2) An intentional No-Joke Joke:
Q: What is the difference between a duck?
A: One of it's legs are both the same!
by The Great Pumpkin February 10, 2009
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When a joke is quickly followed by more supplemental jokes building upon the comedic situation ultimately resulting in mass humor hysteria.
HAHAHAHA, omg George I can't believe how many jokes you just told, you got jokes on jokes!
by curious george88 April 13, 2010
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If I'm planning to throw a suprise party for one of my friend's birthday. He is the only one who's NOT in on the joke about the party.

(Special thanks to one of my Canadian friend)
by Gunhyoung August 18, 2006
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