Word
just kidding
Definition
fixed phrase. you say this to show that what you just said was a joke and not serious.
fixed phrase. a conversational formula used to signal that a preceding statement was intended as a joke, irony, or sarcasm rather than a literal truth.
Examples
“I'm moving to Mars next week—just kidding!”
“He told his sister he had eaten all her chocolate, but then said 'just kidding' when she looked upset.”
“The speaker made a sharp remark about the local government but quickly added 'just kidding' to soften the blow for the officials in the audience.”
Examples
simple
“I'm moving to Mars next week—just kidding!”
contextual
“He told his sister he had eaten all her chocolate, but then said 'just kidding' when she looked upset.”
complex
“The speaker made a sharp remark about the local government but quickly added 'just kidding' to soften the blow for the officials in the audience.”
Usage
usually placed at the end of a sentence or as a standalone interjection immediately following a joke.
Teaching tip
teach this alongside 'only joking' (British English) and 'I'm just pulling your leg' (idiomatic) to show different ways of clarifying intent.
Pitfall
I am just kid.
I am just kidding.
the present participle 'kidding' is required to show the ongoing state of joking; 'kid' is a noun or a base verb.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/just-kidding