Jest

A playful remark or act intended to amuse rather than wound.

Reach for it when naming gentle humor when the harmless intention and effect are clear

Her quiet jest eased the awkward silence.

• playful

  wisecrack

  quick irreverent humor suits the group

  not when Wisecrack often interrupts or targets someone and is less gentle.

• everyday

  banter

  several people exchange playful remarks

  not when Banter is reciprocal and can conceal pressure or exclusion.

• everyday

  joke

  the familiar general word for intended amusement fits

  not when Joke can be elaborate, crude, or hostile, while jest often sounds lighter and older.

• warm

  tease

  affectionate provocation occurs within a trusting relationship

  not when Teasing is unsafe when the target cannot comfortably object.

• formal

  witticism

  verbal cleverness deserves a polished label

  not when Witticism sounds evaluative and stronger than an ordinary jest.

• literary

  quip

  a brief clever remark is the form

  not when A quip emphasizes wit and may carry a sharper edge.

• seriousness
• insult
• rebuke

• in jest

  He offered the title in jest and withdrew it when it caused confusion.

• gentle jest

  A gentle jest helped the speakers reset after the microphone failed.

• make a jest

  She would never make a jest of another person's accent.

Intent does not make a jest harmless. The listener's dignity and ability to decline the humor matter.