50+ Funny Email Subject Lines to Win Inboxes

Funny email subject lines are a creative way to capture attention and boost open rates in your email marketing efforts. Utilizing humor in your subject lines can make your messages stand out in crowded inboxes, fostering a personal touch and building an emotional connection with your audience.

By crafting witty email subject lines, you're not only engaging your subscribers but also enhancing the brand's personality and brand identity through a professional tone that resonates with your target audience.

Whether it's for business professionals, friends, or coworkers, incorporating funny subject lines can significantly impact the success of your email campaigns, making them a key component in sparking curiosity and driving open rates.

Can Funny Subject Lines Be Used in Emails?

Yes, funny subject lines can be effectively used in emails, serving as a powerful tool to engage and connect with your audience.

By incorporating humor into your email subject lines, you not only capture attention but also increase the likelihood of your emails being opened and read.

This strategy leverages the emotional connection that humor can foster, making your messages more memorable and impactful.

Engagement and Open Rates

Funny email subject lines can significantly boost open rates. Data from various email marketing campaigns show that emails with humorous subject lines have a higher open rate compared to those with conventional subject lines. For instance, a study found that adding humor to email subject lines can increase open rates by up to 35%.

This increase is attributed to the curiosity and positive emotions funny subject lines evoke, making recipients more inclined to explore the content of the email.

Building Brand Personality

Injecting humor into your email subject lines helps in showcasing your brand's personality and brand identity. This strategy makes your brand seem more approachable and relatable to your target audience.

Brands that successfully use funny email subject lines are often perceived as more human and engaging, which can foster a stronger emotional connection with subscribers and customers.

How to Balance Wit and Professionalism

Balancing wit and professionalism in email communications, especially when using funny email subject lines, requires a thoughtful approach. The key lies in striking the right tone that resonates with your target audience while maintaining your brand's identity and credibility. Here's how you can achieve this balance:

Understand Your Audience and Context

Know Your Audience: Tailor your humor to the preferences and expectations of your audience. What works for a tech startup may not suit a law firm's clients.
Assess the Situation: Consider the context of your message. Humor in a promotional email might be more acceptable than in serious business communications.

Use Humor Appropriately

Subtle Humor: Opt for light, relatable humor that enhances your message rather than overshadowing the content or message you wish to convey.
Relevant Jokes: Ensure that your humorous elements are relevant to your subject matter. This keeps your email focused and prevents misinterpretation.

Maintain Professionalism

Clear Message: Ensure that your use of wit doesn't obscure the primary message or call to action in your email. The recipient should know what you're asking of them even if they enjoy a laugh.
Respect Boundaries: Avoid humor that could be considered offensive or too informal. Always maintain respect for your audience's diversity and sensitivities.

Implement and Refine

A/B Testing: Experiment with different tones in your email subject lines and content to see what resonates best with your audience. A/B testing can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of your humor.
Feedback Loops: Encourage feedback on your communications. This can help you gauge whether your attempts at humor are well-received and where adjustments might be needed.

The Why and How Behind the Balance

Enhancing Engagement: Appropriately used humor can make your communications memorable and more likely to be opened and read. This is because humor, when used well, can cut through the noise and capture attention.
Building Connections: Wit can humanize your brand, making it more relatable and approachable to your audience. This can foster stronger relationships and loyalty.
Demonstrating Creativity: A cleverly crafted message that balances wit and professionalism showcases your creativity, setting you apart from competitors.

Examples of Funny and Great Subject Lines Used by Brands

Creating a funny great subject line can be a fantastic way to grab attention in a crowded inbox. Brands often use humor to make their communications memorable, relatable, and engaging. Here are a few examples that showcase different types of humor:

Warby Parker

"Pairs nicely with spreadsheets" - Playing on the idea that their glasses aren't just for looking good, but for working hard too.

Chubbies

"👖 = 😴? We Thought So." - Using emojis creatively to suggest that their shorts are as comfortable as pajamas.

Taco Bell

"We're not saying you should ditch work, but we're not not saying it either..." - A playful nudge that suggests enjoying a meal at Taco Bell as a fun escape.

BarkBox

"Yes, I'm a dog. And I ate your email." - Speaking from a dog's perspective to engage subscribers with their dog-themed subscription service.

The Hustle

"Look what you did, you little jerk…" - A humorous reference to the holiday classic movie "Home Alone," likely used to address a mistake or a mischievous fact shared in the email content.

Bonobos

"Pants so comfortable, you'll swear you're naked" - Highlighting the comfort of their clothing in a cheeky way.

OpenTable

"Licking your phone never tasted so good" - Captivating the reader's curiosity about their app or featured restaurants with a quirky statement.

Threadless

"NEW! Clothes you’ll want to wear outside your house." - A humorous nod to the comfort-focused fashion trends, especially relevant during times when people may be staying home more.

UncommonGoods

"Don't wear last year's costume again" - A funny reminder for those who procrastinate on buying Halloween costumes.

Airbnb

"Forget your pants? It's that kind of trip." - Using humor to promote their more relaxed, homely accommodation options.

50 Funny Subject Lines to Use in Emails

Puns and Wordplay

Puns and wordplay involve playing with language to create humorous double meanings or unexpected interpretations. Here are eight funny email subject lines focusing on puns and wordplay:

"Lettuce tell you about our 'salad' days!"

Perfect for a grocery or health food newsletter, this line uses a pun on "lettuce" to make a playful invitation to read about salad-related content or promotions.

"We're knot kidding, these deals are for real!"

Great for a clothing or accessories brand, especially if promoting ties or anything related to knots, this pun emphasizes the sincerity of the offer.

"You'll loaf our latest bakery additions!"

Ideal for a bakery or café, using "loaf" as a verb plays on the common expression of love, introducing new products in a playful manner.

"Sew, a needle pulling thread... and our latest deals!"

A nod to "The Sound of Music" for craft or sewing supplies stores, blending a well-known lyric with a segue into promotional content.

"Time to wine down with our weekend specials!"

For liquor stores or wine clubs, this line uses a pun on "wind down" to suggest relaxing with their wine offerings.

"Our deals are a big dill - pickle them up!"

Playing with the word "deal" and "dill," this is catchy for grocery stores or gourmet shops, especially when promoting pickled goods or special discounts.

Pop Culture References

Incorporating pop culture references into email subject lines is a smart way to tap into shared cultural moments, making your message instantly more relatable and engaging.

"May the Forks Be With You: Dinner Deals Inside"

This is a playful twist on the iconic "Star Wars" phrase "May the Force be with you," tailored for a restaurant or food delivery service promoting special dinner deals. It’s a clever way to connect with movie fans.

"Winter is Coming...But Our Deals Are Already Here!"

Borrowing the famous "Game of Thrones" tagline, this subject line is perfect for any seasonal sale, especially for apparel or outdoor gear. It evokes a sense of urgency and excitement, much like the TV show did for its viewers.

"You're Gonna Need a Bigger Cart for These Deals"

A humorous take on the classic line from "Jaws," this subject line is ideal for big sales events, suggesting that the deals are so good, customers will need to expand their shopping carts, much like needing a bigger boat for a giant shark.

"Here's Johnny...With Your Weekend Promo Codes!"

Inspired by the memorable scene in "The Shining," this subject line could be used by a brand with a personable character or mascot named Johnny to announce special promotions, blending horror with humor in a catchy way.

"Houston, We Have a Promo"

Playing on the famous Apollo 13 quote, this line is great for announcing a promotion or special offer. It’s a light-hearted way to indicate that something important is happening, drawing the reader in with the promise of savings.

"Oops, We Did It Again...More New Arrivals!"

Leveraging Britney Spears' famous song, this subject line works well for retail or fashion brands announcing new stock or collections. It’s a playful admission that the brand is back at it again with more enticing products, appealing to nostalgia and excitement.

Questions and Riddles

Creating email subject lines that incorporate questions or riddles can intrigue subscribers and encourage them to seek answers by opening the email. Here are six examples of funny subject lines based on questions and riddles, each accompanied by an explanation to shed light on the strategy behind them:

"Is It Just Us or Is Email Getting Smarter?"

This playful question piques curiosity about the content of the email, suggesting it might reveal something innovative or unexpected about email technology or usage. It teases the idea that the email itself has something clever or insightful to share, making subscribers eager to find out more.

"What Does Your Coffee Say About You?"

This subject line turns a common daily routine, like drinking coffee, into a personal quiz or exploration, encouraging recipients to open the email to discover humorous insights or fun facts about their coffee preferences. It's light, engaging, and taps into the reader's daily life, making it relatable.

"How Many Marketers Does It Take to Change a Lightbulb?"

A twist on the classic lightbulb joke, this subject line intrigues subscribers by setting up a punchline that is presumably related to marketing insights or humor within the email. It's a clever way to draw in readers with the promise of industry-related humor, making what could be a mundane topic more engaging.

"Can You Solve This Riddle for a Special Discount?"

This subject line cleverly combines the allure of a challenge (a riddle) with a tangible reward (a special discount), encouraging subscribers to engage directly with the content. It creates a sense of play and interaction, making the act of opening the email feel like stepping into a game.

"Why Did the Chicken Sign Up for Our Newsletter?"

Using a variation of the classic "why did the chicken cross the road?" joke, this subject line adds a twist by tying the joke to signing up for a newsletter. It's humorous and creates curiosity about what the punchline or the connection could be, making it an effective way to promote newsletter sign-ups or engagement.

"What's Invisible and Smells Like Carrots?"

This riddle (with the answer being "bunny farts") is unexpected and silly, guaranteeing a laugh or at least a smile from the reader. While the riddle itself may not directly relate to the email's content, it sets a light-hearted tone, suggesting that the email will be fun and worth reading. It's a great way to break the ice and make your brand seem more approachable.

Self-Deprecation

Self-deprecation in email subject lines can be an effective way to humanize your brand by showing a sense of humor about your own shortcomings or peculiarities.

"We're Like That Awkward Date, But With Better Offers"

This subject line is great for a brand looking to promote a sale or special offer. It humorously acknowledges the awkwardness that can come with marketing attempts, comparing it to a relatable experience, but promises a more rewarding outcome.

"Yes, We're Still Emailing You - But These Deals Are Too Good!"

Perfect for a follow-up or reminder email, this line pokes fun at the persistence of email marketing but flips the narrative by highlighting the value of the offers contained within, suggesting that their persistence is actually a benefit.

"Like a Bad Haircut, Our Prices Are Shockingly Low"

Ideal for a promotion, this self-deprecating line compares their low prices to the surprise one might feel after a bad haircut. It's a lighthearted way to draw attention to the deals on offer.

"Our Emails May Not Be Perfect, But Our Deals Are"

Acknowledging that no email campaign is flawless, this subject line focuses on the quality of the deals instead. It's a modest approach that sets up a positive contrast with the actual content of the email.

"We Tried to Hold Back, But We Just Missed You Too Much"

For brands re-engaging with their audience after a period of silence, this subject line uses self-deprecation about their eagerness to reconnect. It turns the potential negative of being overly communicative into an endearing message.

"Not All Heroes Wear Capes, Some Send Emails Like These"

This subject line modestly elevates the act of sending promotional emails to heroism, with a self-deprecating nod to the mundane reality of email marketing. It’s a clever way to elevate the email's importance while keeping the tone light and humorous.

Dad Jokes

Dad jokes are known for their wholesome humor and punny nature, often eliciting eye rolls and chuckles.

"We're Wheelie Excited About These Deals!"

Perfect for a bike shop or automotive retailer, this subject line plays on the word "really" with "wheelie," making a pun that's sure to get a smile. It sets a lighthearted tone while highlighting excitement for deals or new products.

"Water you waiting for? Dive into our summer sale!"

Great for swimwear brands or any summer-related sale, this line uses a playful question with a pun on "water" to encourage recipients to check out the sale, merging humor with a call to action.

"Orange you glad we sent this email?"

A classic example of a dad joke, suitable for any brand wanting to introduce new products or offers. It plays on the old "orange you glad" setup, bringing a familiar chuckle while drawing attention to the email content.

"Don't worry, be happy we've got deals!"

Ideal for bakeries or cafes, this subject line whimsically plays with the phrase "don't worry, be happy" using "donut" to sweeten the deal. It's a fun way to promote offers or highlight special menu items.

"Lettuce celebrate our garden-fresh deals!"

For grocery stores or organic product lines, this line takes a leafy green approach to announce deals or product highlights, using "lettuce" as a punny invitation to celebrate, which adds a fresh twist.

"We mustache you to check out these deals!"

This pun uses "mustache" as a playful stand-in for "must ask," ideal for any brand with a quirky or lighthearted tone. It's a clever way to draw attention to special offers or promotions, ensuring a grin before the email is even opened.

Funny Attention-Grabbing Subject Line

Crafting attention-grabbing, funny email subject lines is an art that can significantly boost open rates by tickling the recipient's curiosity and humor.

"We’re Not Stalking You, But We Know You Haven’t Opened Our Last Email"

This subject line humorously acknowledges the tracking capabilities of email marketing, playing on the common concern of being watched online. It's a cheeky way to remind recipients about previous communications they might have missed, wrapped in a lighthearted joke.

"This Email Contains 100% of Your Daily Recommended Laughs"

Here, the subject line parodies nutritional labels, suggesting that opening the email will fulfill one's daily need for laughter. It's an amusing promise that sets expectations for fun content inside, enticing recipients to find out what's so funny.

"Our Sale is Like a Unicorn - Rare and Magical"

Using the mythical unicorn to describe a sale not only evokes a sense of rarity and wonder but also taps into the popular love for anything unicorn-related. It's an imaginative way to suggest that their offers are not to be missed.

"Breaking News: You’ve Officially Been Named the Best Dressed"

Ideal for fashion retailers, this subject line congratulates the recipient in a mock-serious tone, as if awarding them a prestigious title. It's a playful approach that piques interest and flattery, encouraging them to see what earned them this 'honor'.

"Warning: Opening This Email May Cause Extreme Joy"

This subject line cleverly mimics warning labels but promises a positive outcome. It intrigues readers about what could possibly be inside the email that would make them exceptionally happy, driving clicks through curiosity and the promise of positivity.

"Is This The Real Life? Or Is This Just Fantasy Sales?"

Borrowing a line from Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody," this subject line strikes a chord with music fans and offers a clever twist by suggesting their sales are so good, they're almost unbelievable. It's a creative blend of pop culture reference and promotional message, making it memorable and engaging.

Funny Email Subject Lines for Different Occasions

Sales Promotions

"Our Prices Are Falling Harder Than My Diet Resolutions!"

This subject line cleverly plays on the common experience of setting ambitious diet resolutions and then struggling to keep them, comparing it to the significant price drops in a sale. It's humorous because it taps into a relatable personal challenge while highlighting the attractiveness of the discounts.

"This Sale Is So Big, Even Your Wallet Will Smile."

Here, the imagery of a smiling wallet personifies the idea that the savings from this sale are so substantial, they would even bring joy to an inanimate object known for holding money. It suggests that customers will feel the financial relief and happiness from the deals offered.

"Hurry Up! Deals Vanishing Faster Than Socks in a Dryer."

This subject line uses the familiar mystery of disappearing socks in the dryer as a metaphor for how quickly the deals will be gone, urging recipients to act fast. It's effective because it combines a humorous observation with a sense of urgency.

New Product Launch

"We've Got Something New, and It's Not Just Another Email!"

By acknowledging the overwhelming number of emails people receive daily, this subject line piques interest by promising that what's inside is not just another piece of digital clutter but something genuinely new and exciting.

"Introducing Our Latest Creation – No, It's Not Another Coffee Mug."

Playing on the trope of businesses frequently offering new coffee mugs, this line intrigues readers by teasing the introduction of an innovative product, ensuring them it’s something unexpected and more thrilling.

"Our New Product Is So Good, It Almost Sent This Email Itself!"

This subject line personifies the product, suggesting its quality and innovation are so high that it possesses the ability to perform human tasks, like sending an email. It's an amusing way to grab attention and hint at the product's exceptional features.

Event Invitation

"Join Us for Fun, Frolic, and Freebies!"

The alliteration and playful language invite recipients to an event that promises not just giveaways (freebies) but a good time (fun and frolic), making it sound like an irresistible and enjoyable opportunity.

"Free Food, Great Deals – No, This Isn't a Dream."

By addressing a common wishful thinking scenario (dreaming of free food and great deals), this subject line reassures recipients that the offer is real, encouraging them to take advantage of it while they can.

"You're Invited! No, It's Not a Meeting."

In a world where digital calendars are often filled with meeting invites, this subject line offers a breath of fresh air. It immediately clarifies that the invitation is for something enjoyable, not another work-related commitment, sparking curiosity about what the fun event could be.

Re-engagement Campaign

"We Missed You More Than Our Plants Miss Water."

This subject line is perfect for re-engagement emails, humorously admitting to missing inactive subscribers by comparing it to something essential yet often neglected, like watering plants. It’s a light-hearted way to remind recipients of their value to you, akin to the life-giving importance of water to plants.

"Been a While, or Just Playing Hard to Get?"

Ideal for drawing back subscribers who haven't interacted with your emails for a period, this line playfully suggests their absence might be a tactic to gain more attention, much like the dating game. It’s a humorous nudge to re-engage with a hint of flirtation.

"Ghosted Us? Let's Rekindle Our Inbox Romance."

Using dating terminology, this subject line addresses subscribers who've stopped opening emails as if ending a relationship by ghosting. It’s a quirky invitation to start fresh and engage once again, suggesting a renewal of a once lively interaction.

Feedback Request

"Tell Us What You Think – Free Compliments for Every Response!"

Perfect for surveys or feedback requests, this line promises a reward of compliments in exchange for the recipient's opinions, adding a humorous incentive to what might otherwise be seen as a mundane task. It’s a clever twist on the usual "your opinion matters" approach.

"Your Opinion Matters More Than Pineapple on Pizza."

This subject line tackles a universally debated topic (pineapple on pizza) to highlight the importance of the recipient's feedback, humorously elevating their opinions above a contentious culinary debate. It’s an engaging way to say that their thoughts are highly valued.

"Help Us Help You – But First, Help Us."

A playful take on the mutual benefits of customer feedback, this line suggests that before the company can assist the customer, it needs their input first. It’s a light-hearted way to request assistance that promises a reciprocal relationship.

Newsletter Signup

"Get In On Our Secrets – We Promise Not to Tell."

Teasing exclusive content or offers, this subject line plays on the allure of secrets to pique curiosity, promising discretion in a humorous nod to the intrigue of insider information. It's an enticing way to encourage sign-ups or engagement.

"Sign Up to Our Newsletter – We're Lonely Without You."

Personifying the newsletter as lonely, this subject line appeals directly to the reader’s emotions, suggesting that their subscription would fill a void. It’s a humorous, endearing way to invite more sign-ups by implying a mutual need for connection.

"Our Newsletter Is More Fun Than Forwarding Chain Emails."

This line humorously positions the newsletter as a superior alternative to the outdated practice of forwarding chain emails, promising entertainment and value. It’s a playful way to tout the content's quality while nodding to a familiar internet trope.

Holiday Greetings

"Unwrap This Email for a Special Surprise!"

This subject line evokes the excitement of unwrapping gifts, suggesting that opening the email will reveal a delightful surprise. It's perfect for promoting special offers, discounts, or exclusive content, using the imagery of gift-giving to create anticipation and intrigue.

"Jingle All the Way to Our Inbox – Holiday Greetings Inside!"

Combining the festive spirit of the holiday season with a call to action, this line uses the familiar holiday song to invite readers into a warm, celebratory message. It’s an engaging way to share holiday greetings, sales, or end-of-year messages, wrapping the invitation in a cheerful, seasonal reference.

"More Exciting Than Finding the Perfect Parking Spot – Our Holiday Wishes!"

This subject line humorously suggests that the content of the email surpasses the joy of a common urban victory—finding an ideal parking spot. It’s a clever way to elevate the anticipation of holiday wishes, making the email's message seem as gratifying as a rare convenience in daily life.

Cart Abandonment

"Left Something Behind? It's Not Your Keys This Time."

A playful nudge for cart abandonment emails, this line humorously reminds recipients they’ve forgotten something in their online shopping cart, assuring them it’s not something mundane like their keys. It’s a creative approach to encourage users to revisit their cart and complete their purchase.

"Your Cart Is Lonely – Give It Some Company?"

Personifying the abandoned shopping cart as "lonely," this subject line appeals to the reader's emotions, humorously suggesting that completing their purchase would 'company' the items left behind. It’s an endearing, light-hearted reminder to return to the website and finalize their transaction.

"You Dropped This 👑 and Something Else in Your Cart."

Using the popular internet meme of handing someone a crown, this subject line playfully insinuates that the recipient is deserving of royal treatment but also reminds them they've left items in their shopping cart. The use of the crown emoji adds a visual element that grabs attention, cleverly combining a reminder with a compliment.

Key Elements of a Funny Subject Line for Email

A well-crafted, humorous subject line can make the difference between an email that's opened and read or one that's overlooked.

Let’s delve into the key elements that make a subject line not only funny but also compelling enough to click.

Relevance and Timeliness

Connect with Current Events or Seasons: Aligning your humor with recent events, holidays, or seasons can increase relevance and engagement. For example, during tax season, a subject line like "Even Your Inbox Deserves a Refund!" can garner smiles and clicks.
Leveraging the current zeitgeist makes your message feel more immediate and connected to the reader's world, increasing the likelihood they'll engage.

Wordplay and Puns

Creative Use of Language: Puns or playful twists on phrases can capture attention. A classic example is "We’re Not Kitten, This Sale is Purr-fect!" for a pet store promotion.
Wordplay requires a moment of mental engagement, which, when resolved, delivers a small dopamine rush along with the humor, making your email memorable.

Personalization

Incorporate the Recipient's Name or Interests: Subject lines that speak directly to the recipient can stand out. "Alex, Your Next Adventure Awaits!" can intrigue and feel personalized if you're in the travel industry.
Personalization makes the email feel like it was crafted just for the recipient, increasing the value of the humor and the overall message.

Brevity and Clarity

Keep It Short and Sweet: Email subject lines have limited space, and mobile devices display even fewer characters. A succinct subject like "Sale So Big, It's Scary!" is direct and humorous.
Short, clear messages are easier for readers to digest quickly, making them more effective in grabbing attention.

Surprise and Originality

Offer an Unexpected Twist: Surprise your audience with a subject line that turns expectations on their head. "This Email is Calorie-Free!" for a food-related promotion can elicit a chuckle.
Humans are wired to notice and remember the unusual. A surprise in the subject line makes your email stand out from the predictable.

Testing and Optimization

A/B Test Your Subject Lines: Not all humor lands the same with every audience. Testing different humorous lines to see which performs better can guide your strategy.
Collect and Analyze Data: Use open rates, click-through rates, and engagement metrics to understand what works. This feedback loop is crucial for refining your approach.

Why Humor Works

Incorporating humor into your email subject lines can make your brand feel more human, relatable, and engaging. A funny subject line not only has the potential to increase open rates but also can positively affect the perception of your brand. Humor can break down barriers, making your message more welcoming and creating a positive first impression that encourages readers to engage with the content.

How to Implement

Start with understanding your audience deeply – what do they find funny? From there, experiment with different types of humor, from puns to cultural references, ensuring they align with your brand voice. Always keep the message relevant to the content of the email to ensure coherence. Remember, the goal is to entertain and then inform, creating a memorable interaction with your brand.

Do's and Don'ts For Funny Email Subject Line

Concluding Thoughts

In wrapping up our guide, it's clear that humor is more than just what tickles the funny bone—it's a strategic asset in email marketing. A well-placed joke or a clever opening line can significantly lift your open rates, highlighting the importance of balancing wit with professionalism. This not only ensures your emails stand out but also resonate with your brand's voice and audience's preferences.

Crafting funny email subject lines is not just about making recipients laugh; it's about creating a memorable connection that encourages them to engage with your content. The right humorous touch in your opening line can transform an ordinary email into a standout message in a crowded inbox.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to connect on a human level, making each email a bridge to deeper engagement. Let humor lead the way to more meaningful interactions and watch as it opens doors to not only higher open rates but also a stronger relationship with your audience.

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