Top 33 Funny Ways to Start a Letter

Between text messages and video calls, writing a letter might seem a little old-fashioned.

However, writing letters is a great way to connect with others and share a little joy. They’re personal and give the recipient something tangible to hold, which often seems more meaningful than a notification on their phone.^[1]

Often, letters even become keepsakes to come back to as the years pass by and to share with the next generation.^[1]

There are benefits for the writer, too. Writing letters — especially letters of gratitude — can increase your happiness and satisfaction with life.^[2]

One way to make your letter unique is by opening with a silly greeting. This is a sure way to brighten the reader’s day and put a smile on their face.

Below, we have the list of over 30 funny ways to start a letter. We also share some tips for writing a great letter.

1. Ahoy, Matey!
2. Howdy, Partner.^[3]
3. Greetings, Earthling.
4. What’s shakin’, bacon?^[4]
5. You’ve got mail.
6. What’s cookin’, good lookin’?^[4]
7. ‘Ello, Gov’nor.^[3]
8. Top of the mornin’ to ya.^[3]
9. Bonjour
   French for “hello”
10. Aloha
    Hawaiian for “hello”
11. Guten Tag
    German for “hello”
12. Konnichiwa
    Japanese for “hello”
13. What’s up, Doc?^[5]
14. What’s crackalackin’?
15. Hello, Sunshine!^[3]
16. What’s poppin’, Chica?^[6]
17. Greetings and salutations.
18. How you doin’?
    Joey’s famous quote from “Friends”
19. Toodle-ooh, good morning to you.
20. Whaddup, Brah?^[6]
21. Sup, Homie?^[6]
22. Peek-a-boo, this letter’s for you!
23. Ooh-la-la!
24. I’m the clown that came to town to write this letter upside down.
25. Happy face emoji!
26. Ba humbug to you.
27. Hocus Pocus Jokus — Never trust atoms; they make up everything.^[7]
28. What’s up, buttercup?
29. Howdy, Stranger.
30. Howdy-doody!^[6]
31. At the very start, let me say that we both have something in common. You don’t know what I’m going to say… and neither do I.^[8]
32. Gorgeous, intelligent, talented, charismatic–that’s enough about me. This letter’s about you.
33. Abracadabra, Alakazam — I wrote this letter for you with my own two hands.

How to Write a Great Letter

Once you have a fun start to your message, all that’s left is to write the rest!

Here are some ideas for creating a great letter!

• What’s the receiver like? This is a good question to consider when deciding what to say. If they’re sentimental, include a few heartfelt words or a happy memory. If the letter’s for a child, keep the language simple and easy to understand. Whoever the lucky person is, write with their personality, and perhaps their age, in mind.
• Make a mental list of what you want to say. Before you start, take a minute to decide what you want to say. It may also be helpful to jot a few keywords down on a Post-it, so you don’t forget anything once you get started. This also gives you a chance to organize the order in which you want to say things.
• Get creative with decoration. You’re off to a great start with a funny opener, but you can take it to the next level by including bright colors, doodles, or stickers. Get creative and have fun with it.
• Include a simple gift. It’ll have to be small to fit inside the envelope with the letter, but you might consider cutting out a funny picture from a magazine, sending the receiver’s favorite newspaper comic strip, printing a meme, or making origami. This is another opportunity to think outside the box and really make your letter special!