Delaware is the second smallest state in the US after Rhode Island, covering just about 1,949 square miles, which makes it easier to joke about its small-town charm and quirky residents
The state is known for its lack of sales tax, leading to the popular joke, "Shopping in Delaware is a tax break; that's when you know you found your car keys!"
Also worth reading: What should I know about buying a car from a Delaware auto exchange? · What important dates are on the University of Delaware calendar for the upcoming academic year? · What is the zip code for Newark, Delaware?
Delawareans are known for their love of crab dishes, which lends itself to puns like "Why did the crab move to Delaware?
Because it wanted to be a 'Shellawarian!'"
The state also has the highest number of accountants per capita, often joked about with lines like "You can tell a Delawarean is an accountant because they have a pencil behind their ear, and a crab cake in the other hand"
Delaware is home to Rehoboth Beach and has a vibrant beach culture, leading to jokes like "What do you call a Delawarean with a sense of humor?
A 'Rehobrother' or 'Rehobosister!'"
The legendary Du Pont family had a significant impact on Delaware's economy, which is often humorously summed up as "I wanted to start my own company in Delaware, but it seems Du Pont already took all the 'points'!"
Delaware's state motto is "Liberty and Independence," making it ripe for lighthearted jibes like "If you want true independence, try living in a beach house in Delaware—there’s no one around to ask for help with anything!"
The popular joke, "What did the road sign in Delaware say to the tired driver?
‘Stay d'larwaked and keep cruising!’" plays off the state's unique identity and the characteristic flatness of its geography
Another humorous take on Delaware's size is, “What do you call an alligator in Delaware?
An investigator!"
Delaware's first state title is often a topic of humor, with quips like "Delaware was the first state.
That’s why we get the 'first dibs' on crab cakes!"
While not well-known, Delaware has a unique right common-law suit, which allows for funny comments such as "Why do Delaware lawyers make good comedians?
Because they know how to settle 'out of court'!"
In recent years, jokes about Delaware have also taken to social media, where one might hear comments like "Living in Delaware is cool, but remember, if you sneeze, you might accidentally blow past it!"
Delaware is a pioneer in the corporate world, known for its favorable business laws.
This leads to jokes such as "Why don’t corporate lawyers in Delaware play hide and seek?
Because good luck hiding when ‘everyone’ knows you’re incorporated!"
The state's unique triangular shape presents some humorous perspectives, like "Why is Delaware so good at basketball?
Because it’s got the perfect court!"
Delaware has been called "The First State" since it was the first to ratify the Constitution, often leading to quips about it being a "first-class state" in jokes about priorities like beach trips versus legislative sessions
The state hosts a variety of festivals, and humor about its laid-back lifestyle manifests in jokes like, "Why did the Delawarean take a ladder to the bar?
Because they heard the drinks were on the house!"
Popular attractions like the the Hagley Museum, which focuses on industrial history, inspire humor such as "The only thing older than Delaware's industrial history is Delaware's sense of humor about how often people confuse it with Maryland!"
Delaware’s sandy beaches prompt puns like, "What do you call a bad beach day in Delaware?
A 'dune' deal!"
More obscure geographical jokes play on the state's small size, such as "A Delawarean walks into a bar and says, ‘Is it just me, or is this place a bit too wide for a state line?’"
Lastly, for a scientific twist, Delaware’s average elevation is only 60 feet above sea level, making jokes about avoiding the rising seas quite common, like "Why do Delawareans take umbrellas everywhere?
It’s not because of the weather—it’s just preparation for the rising tides!"