Teach money lessons at home with Greenlight’s Smart Parent newsletter. Money tips, insights, and fun family trivia — delivered every month.
You’ve probably heard the joke before, but do you know the answer to “why did the chicken cross the road?” Keep reading to find out the original punchline and some fun variations of this popular joke.
Origin of “Why did the chicken cross the road?” joke
The first recorded version of this joke was in a British newspaper in 1847 (as an example of a bad punchline, no less!). But the question “why did the chicken cross the road?” had been used as a comedic setup for many years before that.
The original punchline
The original punchline to this joke is: “To get to the other side.” This may seem like a simple and straightforward answer, but it’s meant to be ironic and unexpected, as the chicken crosses the road for the most obvious reason: to get to the other side.
Be a financially smart family!
Be a financially smart family!
From saving for the future to understanding credit, see how families are thriving with Greenlight.
Variations of the joke
Over time, different variations and punchlines have emerged for this classic joke. Here are a few examples:
- “To prove to the possum that it could be done.”
- “To escape Colonel Sanders.”
- “Because it was tired of being cooped up.”
Why people use this joke
The “why did the chicken cross the road?” joke is popular because it’s a simple and versatile setup that can lead to various punchlines and interpretations. It’s also a way to poke fun at common cliches and wordplays. Additionally, children often find this joke amusing because they understand the literal meaning of crossing the road.
How to use this joke
To teach kids how to make the most of this classic punchline, follow these steps:
- First, ask the question “why did the chicken cross the road?”
- Wait for someone to answer or give them a few seconds before delivering the punchline.
- “To get to the other side!”
- If they don’t get it right away, you can explain the irony of crossing the road for such a simple reason.
Tips for telling jokes
- Timing is key: Make sure to deliver the punchline at the right moment, which is usually after a brief pause following the setup question.
- Know your audience: Some people may not find certain jokes funny or appropriate. Think about who you’re telling the joke to before delivering it.
- Practice makes perfect: If you want to become a great joke teller, practice your delivery and timing with different jokes to find out what works best for you.
FAQs for the “Why did the chicken cross the road?” joke
Q: What is the moral of this joke?
A: There isn’t a specific moral; it’s mainly intended to be humorous and poke fun at common sayings and cliches.
Q: Can I make up my own punchline?
A: The beauty of this joke is that the answer can be anything you want it to be. Get creative and have fun with it!
Q: Is this joke appropriate for kids?
A: The original joke is considered family-friendly and is often told to children. Make sure any variations you teach are equally kid-friendly.
Q: Why has “Why did the chicken cross the road?” endured as a joke for so long?
A: This joke has probably stood the test of time because it’s simple enough for everyone to understand, and it has a certain timeless charm that resonates with each new generation. It’s also a light-hearted reminder not to overthink things—and that sometimes the simplest answer is the most delightful.
Want more tips for living your best life? Visit the Greenlight Learning Center for helpful resources on all things family, finance, and fun.
J o i n G r e e n l i g h t . O n e m o n t h , r i s k – f r e e . †
Plans start at just $5.99/month for the whole family. Includes up to five kids.
Read how we use and collect your information by visiting our Privacy Statement.
Raise financially-smart kids.
Features
- Debit Card
- Investing
- Level Up™
- No Hidden Fees
- Chores & Allowance
- Cash Back & Savings
- Security & Control
- For Teens
- For Elders
Options
- Compare Plans
- Greenlight Family Shield
- Greenlight Infinity
- Greenlight Max
- Custom Card
- Refer Friends, Get $50
- Greenlight Gift
- Give a Subscription
- Credit
Learn
Who We Are
- Policy Center
- Terms of Service
- Cardholder Agreement
- Privacy Statement
- Information from Children
- Your Rights and Choices
- Customer Relationship Summary (Form CRS)
- Transparency in Coverage
- Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
- Notice at Collection
- Accessibility Pledge
† Valid for new customers only. Subject to identity verification and minimum load requirements. Your first monthly fee will be billed to your parent wallet seven days after successful registration. To receive a refund of your first monthly fee, you must request to close your account on or before the day immediately preceding your first Monthly Billing Date. See the ‘Account’ tab of Settings by tapping the gear icon on the Greenlight app home page to confirm when your risk-free trial ends. See Terms for details.
© 2025 Greenlight Financial Technology, Inc. Patents Pending. The Greenlight card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.
© 2025 Greenlight Investment Advisors, LLC (GIA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor provides investment advisory services to its clients. Investing involves risk and may include the loss of capital. Investments are not FDIC-insured, are not a deposit, and may lose value.
The reference to SEC registration does not imply that the SEC has endorsed or approved the qualifications of GIA or its respective representatives to provide any investment services described on this site or that GIA has attained a level of skill or training.
Card images shown are illustrative and may vary from the card you receive.
