I was amazed and gratified that we could communicate at all. I used sign language and an occasional English word when I got stuck. At least, that would make sense, since you might be tossing your money into a tub or bowl. I'm guessing that at some point, farmers were playing a game and betting chickens on the outcome. Another kind of word creation that seems likely to have its roots in humor is that which is based on onomatopoeia.
Funny things are easier to remember.
Anyway, it seems possible that humor plays some part in the way language develops.