teasing
adj. B1 Intermediate US //ˈtizɪŋ// UK //tˈiːzɪŋ// teas·ing
adj. making fun of someone in a friendly way. You use this when you are joking with a friend, not when you are being mean.
adj. characterized by playful mockery or gentle ridicule. Typically used predicatively after linking verbs such as 'look' or 'seem'.
She gave me a teasing smile.
His teasing comments about my cooking made everyone laugh at dinner.
The author's teasing tone suggests that the character's confidence is more of a defense mechanism than a genuine trait.
From tease + -ing.