kidding
- 01 B1 Intermediate
v.to say something as a joke or to pretend something is true when it is not.
v.to engage in playful or deceptive jesting. Often used in the continuous form to indicate that a previous statement was not serious.
Simple“I thought he was angry, but he was just kidding about the broken vase.”
In context“When the manager suggested we all work through the weekend, I genuinely couldn't tell if he was kidding or if he expected us to comply.”
PitfallAre you kidding with me? Are you kidding me?The verb 'kid' is transitive here; do not use 'with' when addressing the person you are joking with.
- 02 C2 Proficiency
n.the act of a goat giving birth to its young.
n.the process of parturition in goats.
Simple“The farmer stayed in the barn all night to watch the kidding.”
In context“Successful kidding requires a clean, dry environment to ensure the health of both the doe and the newborn kids.”
UsageUsed as an uncountable noun or a gerund in agricultural contexts.
Teacher's tipThis is a highly specialised term used by farmers and vets; most learners will only ever encounter the 'joking' sense.
Synonymsbirthingparturition