Joking
'dʒoʊkɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo make jokes or say things not meant to be taken seriously.
'dʒoʊkɪŋ
To say something funny or intended to cause amusement.
He was only joking; he didn't mean to offend you.
💡 Simply: Think of it like telling a funny story or making a silly comment to make people laugh. Like when you tickle your friend to make them giggle, you're joking!
👶 For kids: When you're saying something funny that isn't real, like pretending to be a silly animal. It's all for fun!
More Examples
Stop joking and tell us what really happened.
We were joking around with each other and having a good time.
How It's Used
"He was just joking, don't take him seriously."
"They were joking around at the party all night."
Characterized by or expressing a joke; not meant seriously.
'dʒoʊkɪŋ
Intended as a joke; not serious.
He made a joking offer to buy the company.
💡 Simply: If something is 'joking,' it's meant to be funny and not taken seriously. Like when you tell a funny story that's obviously not true, that's joking.
👶 For kids: When you're saying something funny that isn't real, like pretending to be a silly animal. It's all for fun!
More Examples
She gave a joking reply to his question.
It was just a joking suggestion, nothing serious.
How It's Used
"That's just a joking remark."
"She made a joking comment about his new haircut."
Idioms & expressions
No joking matter
Not a matter to be taken lightly; serious or important.
"The situation is no joking matter; we need to take immediate action."
just kidding
An expression to indicate that a statement was not serious.
"I said I was going to eat all the cake, but just kidding!"
To crack a joke
To tell a joke.
"He cracked a joke during the meeting to lighten the mood."
From the verb 'joke,' which originates from the Middle English 'joken' (to jest, mock), possibly related to the Old French 'jouer' (to play).
The term has been used to describe playful or teasing behavior since the Middle Ages. In older texts, 'joking' sometimes implied more overt mockery.