How to Be Silly

Co-authored by Amy Bobinger, BA Reviewed by Seth Hall

Last Updated: June 18, 2024 References

If you are feeling stuck in a rut, you've got the blues, or life just needs a dash of hilarity, then there is nothing better than to be silly. When you’re a kid, it’s easy to do whatever you feel like without worrying what anyone else thinks. But being silly isn’t just for children - although it is a great way to connect with any kids that are around. Dress up, get outside, and grab some friends - it’s time to regain your sense of silly!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Looking the Part

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1
Put on a wild outfit. Dressing up is a great way to put yourself in a silly mood. Look for bright colors, loud patterns, and funky shapes. Feel free to mismatch patterns (it’s trendy now) or even wear your clothes backwards! ^{[1]
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- For women, consider a vintage dress with striped socks, plenty of jewelry, and a huge hairbow.
- Men can try a comically oversized bowtie with a suit in an unusual color and two different shoes.
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Wear bright makeup. To create a really silly look, draw your lipstick outside of your lips, paint on bright rouge, and create a dramatic eye with bright eyeshadow and lots of mascara. You can even put glitter on your cheeks or draw on a fake beauty mark. You’re being silly, so rules don’t apply! ^{[2]
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- For a more socially-acceptable look that will still inspire you to be confident, choose a bright lipstick or exaggerated glittery eyeshadow. ^{[3]
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Try using hairspray to get your hair to stand straight up, create braids all around your head, or make your hair as messy as you can. If you have thicker hair you can also create an afro by back-brushing your hair until it’s piled up on your head.
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Dye your hair a bold color. Don’t worry, you don’t have to commit to anything. Hair chalk, colored hairspray, and hair mascara can put a burst of color into your hair will all usually come out within a couple of washes. ^{[4]
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- If you don’t want to use temporary hair dye, look for a brightly colored wig, or one with a silly cut, like a “mullet” cut that is shorter in the front and longer in the back. ^{[5]
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Find some funky accessories. Visit a second-hand store or a specialty shop and look for the most outlandish accessories you can find - think a tie decorated in flamingos or costume jewelry that is obviously fake.
- If you don’t want to spend any money, try making your own accessories. Pin a small stuffed animal to a headband, make a necklace out of soda can tabs and string, or wear a pool float around your waist for the day.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Getting in Touch with Your Silly Side

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Tell jokes to strangers. Read a list of jokes, then find a place where you don’t know anyone. ^{[6]
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Find a place with music and just let yourself go like you were a kid again. Don’t be afraid to flail your limbs around (just make sure to be considerate of people standing nearby). Dancing has plenty of physical and emotional benefits, too!
Didn’t you love spinning in circles when you were a kid? It made you feel free, like you were flying (and maybe a little dizzy). ^{[7]
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Research source} Try it out as an adult and see if it doesn’t make you feel like a silly little tot again.
Part of being silly is getting in touch with things that make you happy. Put your favorite song on your headphones and sing every word as loudly as you can. ^{[8]
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Kids know how to bring the silly. Get down on the floor and follow their lead. Pretend to be animals, play with toys, or make up your own game with wacky rules. ^{[9]
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You don’t have to be reserved when you’re at the pool! Make a big splash in the deep end by tucking your arms and legs close to your body when you jump in.
When’s the last time you got a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings? Some trees are just made for climbing. Just remember to be careful! Find a tree with strong, sturdy limbs that will support you, and don’t go higher than you feel is safe. ^{[10]
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Snow days are the perfect opportunity to get in touch with your silly side. Sliding down a hill on your sled will make you feel like a kid again! Try going down the hill in different ways, like sitting straight up, turned backwards, or laying on your belly.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Getting Friends Involved

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When you’re hanging out with friends, see who can come up with the silliest laugh or speaking voice. Before you know it, you’ll be laughing too hard to pretend!
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Play dares with your friends. See who can come up with the silliest dare - and who’s brave enough to try it! Some fun dares include: ^{[11]
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- Daring each other to walk with a tomato balanced on your head.
- Make balloon animals and give them away for free to children.
- Do an impromptu street performance.
- Greet strangers with a big smile and something uplifting to say.
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Make slime. You can make goopy, slimy fun in no time with a few simple household ingredients. Slime can be made by mixing Borax (a common cleaning product) with glue and water. Slime is safe to play with, but children should be supervised to make sure they don’t eat it. ^{[12]
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- If you don’t have borax, try mixing cornstarch and water to create a cool substance that is similar to quicksand.
Try to find the messiest foods possible to throw and smear. Think glazed donuts, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, and bottles of condiments. This one is best done outside for easy cleanup!
Carefully fill a bunch of balloons with water and stash them in hidden places outside, then try to find them and throw them at your friends before they get you!

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Warnings

Keep in mind that it’s not always appropriate to be silly. The workplace, school, and church are probably not the best environment for a silly day.

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