Boffola (noun): an informal joke that gets a loud or hearty laugh

In a land tucked in the farthest corners of the world, was a grand and flourishing kingdom. Its people prospered, its plants and animals thrived, and all the golden glory of this nation was thanks to its stern and flawless monarch.

He was a tiny, tiny man. Not “tiny” as in a head shorter than his subjects, but “tiny” as in he was only 12 inches tall.

As small as the king was, he never let his vertical disadvantage get in the way of leading his people. In fact, he was known throughout the lands for his rather ruthless reign, a perfect but strict leadership that made many citizens believe that his anger was merely compacted into a smaller volume. And he took offense, when anyone dared to mention his height.

One fateful day, a curious foreigner perked up in the capital and requested an audience with the small king of the resplendent country. His sincere and good-natured attitude granted his wishes, but…

“Oh my!” He blurted loudly to the entire royal court. “You really are 12 inches tall! I didn’t think you’d be that short!”

At that point, not a breath dared to escape in the majestic hall. The nobles shared quick glances, fearful of the foreigner’s fate.

“Ah, I’m so sorry!” He seemed to realize his faults, too. With a timid peek at the tiny king, whose face was already turning a spectacular shade of purple, he whispered: “12 inches is a great height. I think it makes you a great ruler.”

That day, the entire kingdom was thrown into the biggest celebration it had in years, a courtesy of its king’s greatest laughter known to date.