in-joke
(ˈɪndʒəʊk)
[cf. in a. 2.]
A joke enjoyed or appreciated by only a limited group of people. Cf. in-reference.
| 1964 Economist 31 Oct. 518/2 Professor Yamey..has published the first independent assessment of the Resale Prices Act..for those who like in-jokes. 1966 Punch 4 May 657/1 The dialogue peppered with British upper-class in-joke slang of the most blatant appeal to Lancashire slum-dwellers and Turkish primary schools. 1968 M. Allingham Cargo of Eagles vi. 82 Those who can read between the lines will find some amusement at what are called ‘in-jokes’ today. 1971 M. Babson Cover-up Story ii. 24 They were laughing at me... It was in-joke laughter, and I was on the outside looking in. |