Reacts to bad jokes by playing organs (6)

I believe the answer is:

groans

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'reacts to bad jokes' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'playing organs' is the wordplay.
'playing' is an anagram indicator.
'organs' with letters rearranged gives 'GROANS'.

'by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for groans that I've seen before include "Complains" , "Sounds of pain or disapproval" , "Grumbles" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.

Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app