Some Short Jokes From The 2025 Edinburgh Fringe
- Editor OGN Daily
- Aug 7
- 2 min read
The Fringe is now underway in Scotland's capital city, as it has almost every year since 1947.
However, the best joke of the fringe award has been scrapped after 17 years. Launched in 2008, the award set out to distil the spirit of the festival into a single one-liner. Longlisted by a panel of critics and then voted on by the public, it aimed to showcase the sharpest bite-size humour from that year’s fringe. The award’s retirement may not prompt national mourning, but it does bring to an end a curious fringe tradition, says The Guardian.
However, it's a fair bet that another organisation or two will step forward and fill the space. In the meantime, as a taster of the treats in store, The Daily Telegraph asked a few Fringe-bound comics - including former Best Joke of the Fringe winner Olaf Falafel - to share with us the funniest one-liners they’re telling in their new shows. Here's half a dozen of OGN's favourites.
"People who say bath bombs are relaxing have clearly never tried to carry one home in the rain." Ian Smith
"Don’t fall for the “Deep-fry your money in batter” investment plan - that’s how I frittered away my savings." Olaf Falafel
"Of course I don’t compare my kids, but it is so hard not to compare your first with your favourite." Diona Doherty
"My friend got a tattoo on his arm that says “comparison is the thief of joy”, and I’m really debating getting the same tattoo on my arm but a little bit bigger." Gianmarco Soresi
"Tables: Are they really furniture at all, or just more floor on stilts?" Abby Wambaugh
"I took a tour of a sheltered housing place, and the woman giving the tour goes, “some of the residents never get visits from their family.” And I said, “how much extra is that?” Joe Sib
OGN will keep you updated as more chuckle-worthy one-liners emerge but, if you fancy some more from past Fringes, take a look at Last Ten Best Jokes From The Edinburgh Fringe
