but seriously folks

English

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

Interjection

but seriously folks

1. (speech act, idiomatic) Used to direct attention to immediately preceding failed attempt at humor.
   • 1969, Julius J. Epstein, But, Seriously ...: A Play in Two Acts, page 18:

     A nightclub comic who gets off a bad joke, nobody laughs, but he goes right on with: "But, seriously, folks" […].

   • 2004, Gerald Nachman, Seriously Funny: The Rebel Comedians of the 1950s and 1960s, page 23:

     But seriously, folks, on behalf of the Copacabana — and believe me, I'd love to be half of the Copacabana

   • 2006, Bob Mitchell, Match Made in Heaven, page 199:

     "Take my life, … please," Colombo continued, a wry smile creasing his face. (Apparently he was a fan of Henny Youngman.) "Badaboom! But, seriously, folks, I learn long ago, during my life, that justice, she does not exist. […]."