inside joke; private joke; in-joke
Refers to a joke or understanding shared only within a closed group, often not funny to outsiders. Can also imply a private agreement or favor among insiders.
Their conversation was full of inside jokes, and I couldn't understand it at all.
That joke was completely an inside joke.
身内ネタ is a more casual term for 'inside joke' or 'personal story,' often used in entertainment contexts.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant spelling with kana for うけ.
Compound of 内輪 (uchiwa, 'private, family circle') and 受け (uke, 'reception, popularity'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term naturally describes humor or agreements that are well-received only within a limited group.