Funny and clever email subject lines
A funny subject line stands out in a crowded inbox, as long as the reader knows you, or knows your brand. For first contact with strangers or anything serious, stay clear.
Here are 50 that are fun without being cringe.
Subject lines
- This email is shorter than your coffee break
- Not another meeting invite (promise)
- I come bearing snacks
- Free pizza in the kitchen (this is not a drill)
- Read this before your coffee gets cold
- You're going to want to sit down for this
- Plot twist: [topic]
- Brace yourself: [topic] is coming
- Good news, bad news
- It's not you, it's our inbox
- Following up (in the nicest possible way)
- Me again! Sorry, not sorry
- Did my last email fall into a black hole?
- Knock knock
- Nudge, nudge
- Third time's the charm?
- Are you ignoring me or just busy?
- Should I send a carrier pigeon?
- This is getting awkward
- Okay, last email. Really.
- Open for a good time (and a spreadsheet)
- Your Monday needs this
- Friday feeling, early
- Warning: contains pun
- Dad joke inside
- Spoiler alert: [topic]
- We need to talk... about [topic]
- Breaking news: [mild office news]
- Office cake update
- Your plants called. They miss you.
- Hold my coffee
- Psst... you up?
- This is not spam (we checked)
- Inbox zero? Not today
- We broke something (and fixed it)
- Oops, wrong link!
- Our designer cried making this
- Pants optional, sale required
- Treat yo' self
- Don't open this... unless you like savings
- Even our interns are excited
- We made you a thing
- Your cart is getting lonely
- Psst: your discount is expiring
- Best. Newsletter. Ever. (Probably.)
- Short email, big news
- The one where we [topic]
- Guess who's back?
- Not to brag, but...
- Help us, [Name], you're our only hope
When to skip the joke
Avoid humor in the first email to a stranger, in anything about money owed, complaints, health or layoffs, and in emails to senior people you don't know well. If the joke needs explaining, cut it.
Frequently asked questions
Do funny subject lines increase open rates?
They can for audiences who know you, like newsletter subscribers or colleagues. For cold outreach, clear and personal subjects usually do better.
What is a clever email subject line?
One that makes the reader curious or smile while still hinting at what's inside, like "Did my last email fall into a black hole?" for a follow-up.