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joke

Ngoại động từNội động từ[C/U] Cả hai

Số nhiều: jokesQuá khứ: jokedPhân từ 2: jokedV-ing: joking

The term carries a strong sense of playfulness and a temporary suspension of seriousness. It relies on the tension between a setup and a surprising punchline, creating a psychological release that manifests as laughter. While often positive, it can lean toward mockery if the target of the joke is a specific person. In social interactions, the word serves as a protective shield. By labeling a statement as a joke, a speaker can test boundaries or express a hidden truth while maintaining plausible deniability if the reaction is negative. This distinguishes it from a prank, which is a physical action rather than a verbal one.

Countable when referring to a specific story or a prank. Uncountable when referring to the general act of joking or a state of being laughable.

Ý nghĩa

Danh từ

"He told a funny joke about a talking dog."

Ngoại động từ

[someone]

To say something as a joke or to tease someone.

"I was only joking when I said I would quit."

Nội động từ

"They spent the whole evening joking about their old school days."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026•Report an Error