awkward silence after a failed joke
Slang term for the uncomfortable silence that follows a joke that no one laughs at, often used among young people.
wasei-eigo (Japanese-coined English), from white kick
See also: しらける
His joke fell flat, and the room was filled with an awkward silence.
Variant with interpunct; less common but seen in some contexts.
Japanese-made English from white kick, used for the dead, awkward silence following a joke that falls flat.