English is a fascinating language—constantly evolving, shaped by culture, creativity, and communication. Among the many words and phrases that spark debates, one question stands out: “Is funner a word?”
This question often comes up in classrooms, casual conversations, and even professional writing discussions. Some people argue that “funner” is incorrect, while others insist it’s acceptable, especially in informal speech. To clear up the confusion, let’s dive into grammar rules, historical usage, and modern acceptance of the word funner.
Table of Contents
The Traditional Rule: Why “Funner” Sounds Wrong to Some
For a long time, fun was considered only a noun, not an adjective. In the 18th and 19th centuries, fun meant enjoyment or amusement—something you could have, but not something that could describe a thing directly.
Example:
- Correct (historically): We had a lot of fun at the fair.
- Incorrect (historically): That was a fun game.
Because of this, people didn’t compare fun with adjectives like happy → happier or fast → faster. Since fun was not an adjective, making a comparative form like funner wasn’t grammatically possible.
This explains why older grammar guides rejected the word.
The Shift: Fun as an Adjective
Language evolves to match how people actually use it. By the 20th century, fun began to be widely used as an adjective to describe things that are enjoyable.
Example:
- That was a fun party.
- She’s such a fun teacher.
Once fun started working as an adjective, it naturally began to form comparative and superlative versions, just like other adjectives:
- funner (comparative)
- funnest (superlative)
Example:
- This game is funner than the last one.
- That was the funnest trip we’ve ever taken.
Though some grammarians cringed at this, the use of funner spread in spoken English, especially among younger speakers.
Is “Funner” Accepted Today?
The answer depends on context.
- In Formal English
Many teachers, editors, and grammar purists discourage funner. Instead, they recommend using “more fun” and “most fun.”- This activity is more fun than the last one.
- That was the most fun vacation ever.
- In Informal English
In casual speech and writing, funner is widely used and understood. Children especially use it naturally, and adults in everyday conversations may do the same. - Dictionaries and Style Guides
- Merriam-Webster lists funner as a real comparative form of fun, though it marks it as informal.
- Oxford English Dictionary also recognizes funner, but again notes it as non-standard.
- Chicago Manual of Style and other formal guides prefer “more fun.”
So, while funner is indeed a word, it is often labeled “informal” or “non-standard.”
Why Some People Resist “Funner”
The resistance to funner comes down to tradition, formality, and habit:
- Educational Norms
Many schools continue to teach “fun is not an adjective” or insist on “more fun” as the only correct form. - Sound and Rhythm
To some ears, funner sounds awkward or childish, while more fun flows more naturally. - Professional Writing Standards
In business, academic, or journalistic writing, “more fun” looks polished, while “funner” may appear unprofessional.
Examples of Funner in Real Life
Despite being frowned upon in formal settings, funner shows up often in pop culture, marketing, and casual conversation.
- Advertising: Companies sometimes use funner in slogans because it’s catchy and playful. Example: “Making Learning Funner!”
- Children’s Speech: Kids often create natural comparative forms, making funner a common word in playground talk.
- Pop Culture References: TV shows, movies, and songs occasionally use funner to sound casual or humorous.
The Case for Accepting “Funner”
Some linguists argue that rejecting funner is outdated. English has always allowed adjectives to form comparative and superlative versions by adding “-er” and “-est.” Why should fun be treated differently?
Consider these examples:
- tall → taller → tallest
- fast → faster → fastest
- fun → funner → funnest
From a purely grammatical standpoint, funner follows the rules of English word formation.
Regional and Generational Differences
Interestingly, acceptance of funner varies depending on location and age group:
- Younger Generations: Teenagers and children are more likely to use funner without hesitation.
- Adults: Many adults, especially in professional settings, avoid it and stick to “more fun.”
- Regional English: In the U.S., funner is more common than in the U.K., where “more fun” is still the dominant form.
Practical Guidance: Should You Use “Funner”?
The choice depends on your situation:
- Casual conversation: Perfectly fine. Saying “This game is funner than that one” will be understood and accepted.
- Creative writing or advertising: Funner can add playfulness and creativity.
- School essays, professional work, or formal writing: Safer to use “more fun” and “most fun” to avoid criticism.
Think of funner as similar to slang—it has a place, but not everywhere.
Conclusion
So, is funner a word? The answer is yes—but with conditions. Dictionaries recognize it, and many people use it in casual speech, but it’s still considered informal and non-standard in formal English.
Language, however, is always evolving. What was once “wrong” often becomes accepted over time. Words like google (as a verb), selfie, and ain’t have all moved closer to mainstream acceptance. One day, funner might shed its “informal” label, but for now, it depends on context.
If you want to play it safe in professional writing, stick with “more fun.” But if you’re talking with friends, writing dialogue, or trying to sound playful, don’t be afraid to say funner. After all, language should be… well, fun!
FAQs About “Funner”
1. Is “funner” a real word?
Yes. Dictionaries like Merriam-Webster and Oxford list funner as the comparative form of fun, but it is marked as informal.
2. Is it wrong to say “funner”?
Not exactly. It’s not grammatically incorrect, but it is non-standard and less accepted in formal English.
3. What should I use instead of “funner”?
In formal writing, use more fun (comparative) and most fun (superlative).
4. Why does “funner” sound childish?
Because children naturally create comparative forms with “-er,” many adults associate funner with kid-speak.
5. Do teachers allow “funner”?
Most teachers still prefer students to use “more fun” in academic writing, though some accept funner in informal contexts.
6. Which is more common: “funner” or “more fun”?
“More fun” is more common and widely accepted, especially in professional and formal situations.
7. Will “funner” ever become fully accepted?
Possibly. Language evolves over time, and as more people use funner, it could lose its stigma.