Japeries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Characterized by playful or mischievous remarks or antics that often involve trickery or jesting
2. Referring to acts or statements made in jest, particularly those that are humorous or frivolous
3. Describing playful behavior or comments that serve to amuse or entertain, often through irony or sarcasm

Etymology: "Japery" began as a dog's noise. Old French "japer" meant to yelp or yap, and it was later applied to human chatter and mockery. Middle English took up the idea as "japen," meaning to jest or play tricks, and "japery" named the joke or trick itself. "Japeries" is simply the plural, referring to several such jokes or teasing remarks. The Old French root is probably imitative, so the word's original sense was the sound of barking, and the idea of ironic, playful wit grew out of that.