Joker
What it means
A playful person who often makes others laugh.
Reach for it when describing a social comic role affectionately when the humor is welcome
The team's resident joker kept spirits up during the delayed journey.
Words to choose between 6
| playful |
|
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
class clown
Fits when a familiar school role captures attention-seeking humor
Careful Class clown can belittle the student and suggests disruption.
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everyday
prankster
Fits when practical tricks are the person's usual form of humor
Careful Prankster raises consent and disruption concerns absent from simple joking.
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professional
comedian
Fits when creating humor is a practiced performance role
Careful Comedian implies craft or occupation rather than an informal group personality.
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formal
Fits when historical or theatrical comic performance is intended
Careful Jester is role-specific and can sound demeaning about a real colleague.
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literary
Fits when amusing storytelling and social skill are central
Careful Raconteur is elevated and does not imply jokes or playful mischief.
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literary
Fits when clever verbal humor is the defining ability
Careful A wit may be dry and restrained, unlike an energetic joker.
Opposites 3
- killjoy
- solemn person
- heckler
Common phrases 3
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resident joker
The resident joker checked that the new apprentice enjoyed the teasing.
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practical joker
A practical joker should never interfere with safety equipment.
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natural joker
The natural joker also knew when the room needed quiet.
Usage notes
Keep in mind
Joker can dismiss someone as unserious. Use it affectionately only when humor is a welcome part of their identity.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Commander Keane, Australian accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 Updated