Knock Knock Jokes

Knock-Knock Jokes: A Brief History

Knock-knock jokes have been entertaining people for centuries. Let's dive into their fascinating origins!

The Bard Abides in 1606

Though the exact origin of the knock-knock joke is officially unknown, many scholars point to the second act of Shakespeare's Macbeth—written around 1606—as the earliest known example. It occurs when a porter is awoken out of a drunken stupor by a man knocking at Macbeth and Lady Macbeth's door.

Children Play in 1929

In Henry Bett's 1929 book, "The Games of Children: Their Origin and History," the author talks about the knock-knock joke as being part of a kid's game called Buff. One child would bang a stick while saying "Knock knock," to which their opponent would ask, "Who's there?"

Writers Catch On in 1934

In 1934, a newspaper columnist used the following (not-so-funny) joke in a story, which marked the knock-knock joke's first published appearance in popular culture:

Knock knock.
Who's there?
Rufus.
Rufus who?
Rufus the most important part of your house.

What's This Turns to Who's There in 1936

By 1936, the knock-knock joke had made its way to the masses. An Associated Press article about its growing popularity appeared in the August 3rd edition of the Titusville Herald. "Gone are the days when the more serious-minded settled down to a concentrated spar with jigsaw puzzles, anagrams, intelligence tests, and similar intellectual pursuits," lamented the author.

Knock Knock Goes International in 1953

The knock-knock joke gained popularity worldwide. French versions started with "Toc-Toc," Afrikaans and Dutch versions were "Klop-klop" and "Kon-kon," and Spanish versions usually rhymed.

Laugh-In Does Knock-Knock in 1968

Knock-knock jokes were a staple on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In from its very first season.

George Zimmerman's Lawyer Gets in on the Fun in 2013

Humorist/radio host Fred Allen produced a wrap-up of the year's biggest events in which he included an interview with the fictional Ramrod Dank, whom he deemed "The first man to coin a knock knock."

Remember, laughter is contagious—so share these jokes with your friends!

Disclaimer: Some jokes may induce eye rolls.

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