# joke around

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/joke-around
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. to behave playfully

phrasal verb · CEFR B1 · Informal

to behave in a silly or funny way to make people laugh.

For teachers: to engage in playful or lighthearted behaviour, often to amuse others or pass the time.

- The students were joking around in the back of the classroom until the teacher arrived.
- The team spent the afternoon joking around in the breakroom, which helped relieve the tension after the stressful product launch.

Usage: This is an intransitive phrasal verb and does not take a direct object.

### 2. to tease or prank

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · Informal

to say things that are not serious or to play tricks on someone for fun.

For teachers: to tease others or make humorous statements that are not intended to be taken literally.

- Don't get angry; I was just joking around when I said you were late.
- He is constantly joking around with his colleagues, though occasionally his dry sense of humour is misinterpreted as genuine criticism.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'with' to indicate the person being teased.

## Examples

- Stop joking around and finish your homework.
- The coworkers like to joke around during their lunch break to relieve the stress of the day.
- While the atmosphere in the locker room was light as the players joked around, the coach remained focused on the upcoming championship game.

## Usage notes

- Teaching tip: contrast with 'make fun of' (which is often mean-spirited) and 'kid' (which is often a single verbal act); 'joke around' describes a general state of playful behavior.

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