Here is a comprehensive listicle article on funny 40th birthday wishes.
Turning 40 is a true milestone. It's the age where you're officially wise enough to know better, but still young enough to do it anyway. For many, it's a moment that calls for reflection, celebration, and most importantly, a healthy dose of humor. After all, if you can't laugh at yourself when your back starts making sound effects, what's the point?
Finding the right words to toast this momentous occasion can be tricky. You want to be funny without being cruel, witty without being cliché. Whether you're writing in a card for your best friend, a sibling who's finally catching up to you, or a colleague you love to banter with, the perfect funny message is out there. This list is your go-to guide for crafting a wish that will make the new 40-year-old laugh so hard they might just pull a muscle (a very real danger at their age).
The 'Welcome to the Club' Roasts
Perfect for friends and siblings, these messages are a lighthearted way to say, "I'm glad you're finally as old as me." It's all about friendly teasing and welcoming them to the other side of the hill.
- Welcome to 40, an age where "a little wild" means having a second cup of coffee. Glad you could finally join us.
- Congratulations on reaching 40! You're now officially part of the "Groan When You Stand Up" club. We have jackets, but they're orthopedic.
- I’d make a joke about you being old, but I’m afraid you’d break a hip trying to chase me. Happy 40th, old-timer!
- Look on the bright side: at 40, you’re not old, you’re a classic! And just like a classic car, you require more maintenance and leak a little.
- Don't worry about turning 40. We'll still be best friends. I'll just have to speak a little louder and remind you where you left your keys.
- Happy 40th! You've finally reached the age where your back goes out more than you do. Welcome to the party!
- It's a scientific fact that people who have more birthdays live longer. You're doing great, but maybe slow down? Happy 40th!
- Now that you're 40, we can start complaining about teenagers together and go to bed at 9 p.m. without any irony. It’s the dream.
Age is Just a Number… A Really High One
These jokes are for the number-crunchers and pun-lovers. They focus on the number 40 itself, treating it with the gravity and absurdity it deserves.
- You’re not 40. You’re 18 with 22 years of experience. And a lot more questionable fashion choices in old photos.
- Happy 40th birthday! You're now 480 months old. Doesn't that sound so much more impressive? No? Okay.
- Congratulations on being 20 for the second time. Let's see if you can make even better mistakes this time around!
- Forty isn’t old if you’re a tree. Or a tortoise. Or a bottle of scotch. You're... two out of three? Happy Birthday!
- They say 40 is the new 30. Please tell that to my knees, my metabolism, and my sudden interest in daytime television. Happy Birthday to you!
- In dog years, you're only about 6. Which explains the urge to nap in sunny spots and bark at the mailman. Happy 40th!
- The first 40 years of childhood are always the hardest. Here's to finally growing up (maybe).
- Let’s get this straight. You’re not 40. You’re 39.99 plus tax. Happy Birthday, bargain!
Sarcastic 'Wisdom' for the Newly 40-Year-Old
Offer some hilariously unhelpful advice with a dry, sarcastic wit. This is perfect for the friend who appreciates a more sophisticated and cynical brand of humor.
- At 40, you must start being more responsible. I suggest you start by responsibly finding someone else to be the responsible one. Happy Birthday.
- As you turn 40, remember to always count your blessings, not your wrinkles or your daily pill intake. It’s just less depressing that way.
- Welcome to your 40s. A candle for every year might set off the smoke alarm, so it's probably best to just sit in the dark and contemplate your choices. Enjoy!
- They say you get wiser with age. Are you feeling it yet? No? Me neither. Let’s just have cake.
- Happy 40th. Now is the time to start lying about your age. I'd suggest starting with 39, but you have to make it believable.
- My advice for 40 is to never act your age. Mostly because no one can act that old and tired without a stunt double.
- Congratulations on turning 40! You’ve reached the age where "Happy Hour" is a nap.
- On your 40th, may your coffee be strong, your ibuprofen be plentiful, and your secrets stay buried. You know too much now.
Short & Punchy Texts for When You’re Too Old to Write a Long Message
Sometimes less is more. These short, witty messages are perfect for a quick text, a social media shout-out, or when you just want to get straight to the punchline.
- Happy 40th! Don't strain yourself blowing out the candles.
- 40?! Don't worry, the gray hairs are just wisdom highlights.
- Lordy, Lordy, look who's 40!
- You're not old, you're just well-seasoned. Happy 40th!
- HBD! Welcome to the age of sensible shoes. 🥳
- Four decades. One legend. Happy 40th!
- Happy 40th! May your WIFI be strong and your naps be long.
- Cheers to 40 years! 🍻 (Don't have too many, hangovers are different now).
- 40 is the new... what was I saying? Happy Birthday!
Congratulations on Unlocking New 'Achievements'
Frame their 40th birthday in modern, gamer-style terms. Celebrating their new "skills" and "achievements" is a creative and funny way to mark the occasion.
- Achievement Unlocked: The Grunt. (Made an involuntary noise while bending over). Happy 40th!
- Congratulations on reaching Level 40! You’ve now unlocked the ability to find Tupperware lids fascinating and the skill of falling asleep on the couch by 8:30 p.m.
- Happy 40th! New character trait unlocked: "Says 'they don't make music like they used to'."
- Achievement Unlocked: Fiscal Wisdom. (Chose not to buy something because "we have that at home"). Welcome to your 40s!
- Happy Birthday! You’ve just leveled up to 40. Your new special power is knowing the weather based on how your joints feel.
- You've reached Level 40! As a bonus, you now get +10 to complaining about your back and a special "Sigh of Exhaustion" ability.
- Achievement Unlocked: Nostalgia Overload. (Started a sentence with "Back in my day..."). Congrats on 40!
- Happy 40th Birthday! You have successfully completed the tutorial levels (ages 1-39). The game gets more interesting now, but the save points are just naps.
No matter which message you choose, the best way to deliver it is with a huge smile and a lot of love. Feel free to mix, match, or add a personal inside joke to make it uniquely yours. A 40th birthday is a huge deal, and celebrating it with laughter is the best gift you can give. Happy celebrating