Paper short abstract:

The expression "bearded joke" carries negative connotation. But when applied in communication, they can provide joy of recognition and function as a enhancers of group cohesion. The paper discusses the uses of old and known jokes in Estonian online communication.

Paper long abstract:

"Bearded jokes" are short narratives that end in a predictable punch-line or have been circulated in the same variant for decades and don't provide any novelty for the listeners. These are very often published in volumes of joke collections and in newspaper varia sections.

Although with regard to jokes predictability is a drawback, petrified jokes can also provide joy of recognition instead of discovery, and function as an enhancer of group cohesion. In this context, the expression "bearded joke" may acquire a positive connotation.

The paper aims to discuss the uses of old and known jokes in Estonian online communication. The jokes characterised by being "bearded" are analysed in their context and the reactions of the audience are described. The study is supported by frequency counts from the database of Estonian contemporary jokes.