Funny OOO Messages: How to Take a Break and Make People Laugh
Let’s be honest: most Out of Office (OOO) messages are dull, robotic, and painfully predictable. You open an email hoping for a response, and instead, you’re met with something like:
“Thank you for your email. I am currently out of the office and will respond upon my return.”
Yawn.
But why not have a little fun with it?
Whether you're on vacation, at a conference, or just taking a break from the daily grind, injecting humor into your OOO message can make someone smile—and maybe even go viral within your office Slack. Below, we’ve rounded up some of the funniest and cleverest OOO messages to inspire your next getaway.
1. The “Gone Forever (Temporarily)”
"I have left the office in search of the world’s best coffee. If I don’t return, assume I found it."
Perfect for coffee lovers and people who want to vanish in style.
2. The Brutally Honest
“I’m out of the office and have no intention of checking my emails. Honestly, I barely check them when I am in the office.”
Sometimes, honesty is the best (and funniest) policy.
3. The Dramatic Adventure
"Currently hiking through the Amazon with no signal, fending off mosquitoes, and pretending to be Bear Grylls. Back Monday."
For anyone who likes their OOO message with a side of drama.
4. The Auto-Responder Therapist
"Thank you for your email. I am out of the office on vacation, recovering from the trauma of reading too many emails. I’ll be back with a fresh batch of patience on [date]."
We all need a little email therapy sometimes.
5. The Time Traveler
“Greetings from the year 2055. We don’t have emails anymore. But in case you're still stuck in the past, I’ll reply when I return on [date].”
Because the future is now—just not for your inbox.
6. The “Let AI Handle It”
"I'm currently out of office. This message was written by ChatGPT. Any further replies will also be written by AI, which statistically might be more coherent than my Monday mornings."
Self-deprecating and tech-savvy? Yes, please.
7. The Fake Forward
FWD: Re: RE: Vacation Notice (Really Important)
“If you're reading this, I’m probably sipping something with a tiny umbrella in it. Unless you're my boss, in which case I’m taking important business meetings in a tropical setting.”
When you need plausible deniability and a laugh.
Why Funny OOO Messages Work
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They’re memorable: People are more likely to remember—and respect—your time off when your message stands out.
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They reflect personality: Especially in today’s casual, hybrid work environments, humor shows authenticity.
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They ease frustration: If someone can’t get what they need immediately, a chuckle goes a long way.
Tips for Writing Your Own
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Know your audience: Is your company cool with humor? If yes, go for it. If not, stick with something mildly cheeky.
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Keep it professional-ish: Funny doesn’t mean inappropriate.
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Include the essentials: Always mention when you'll be back and who to contact in your absence (if needed).
Final Thoughts
Taking time off shouldn't mean turning into a corporate robot. A funny out-of-office message is a small way to bring some joy into someone else’s day—and yours. So next time you set your OOO, don’t just disappear. Leave a laugh behind.
Happy vacationing!
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