Definition

Noun: - Acting like a clown or buffoon: The act of behaving in a silly, foolish, or playful manner, often to amuse others. It involves joking, jesting, or engaging in playful trickery.

Usage

The word "japery" is a formal or literary term for clownish behavior or jesting. It describes the act or an instance of being a jester or buffoon, typically involving humor that is not sophisticated. It is often used to characterize frivolous or unserious conduct.

Examples

• The court jester's japery was intended to lighten the king's somber mood.
• His constant japery during the meeting undermined the seriousness of the discussion.
• The play included scenes of lighthearted japery to balance its tragic themes.

Advanced Usage

• "To engage in japery": To participate in or perform clownish acts.
  • The comedian was known for engaging in witty japery on stage.

Variants and Related Words

• Jape (noun/verb): A joke or jest; to joke or jest.
  • Noun: His comment was meant as a lighthearted jape.
  • Verb: He would often jape with his colleagues.
• Japer (noun): A person who jests or acts like a buffoon.
  • The old fool was the village's chief japer.

Synonyms

• Buffoonery: Silly or ridiculous behavior.
• Clowning: Behaving like a clown.
• Tomfoolery: Foolish or silly behavior.
• Prankishness: The quality of being fond of playing pranks.

Antonyms

• Sobriety: The state of being serious, solemn, or dignified.
• Gravity: Seriousness or importance of manner.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "All in good japery": Done as a harmless joke or jest.
  • Do not be offended; it was all in good japery.

Noun

1. acting like a clown or buffoon