Definition

1. Noun:
   • A playing card: A special card, typically bearing the picture of a court jester, used in some card games as a wild card or the highest-ranking trump.
   • A hidden clause or condition: An inconspicuous provision in a document, such as a contract or law, that unexpectedly changes its meaning or effect.
   • An annoying or thoughtless person: A person who acts in a foolish or irritating manner.
   • A person who jokes: Someone who enjoys telling or playing jokes; a jester or comedian.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Playing Card):
  • In this game, the joker can represent any card you need.
  • He drew the joker and won the trick.
• Noun (Hidden Clause):
  • The contract seemed fair, but it contained a joker that voided the warranty.
  • The legislation's real impact was hidden in a joker added at the last minute.
• Noun (Annoying Person):
  • Some joker put salt in the sugar bowl.
  • Tell that joker to move his car from the entrance.
• Noun (Person Who Jokes):
  • He's the office joker, always lightening the mood.
  • She played the joker at the party, keeping everyone laughing.

Advanced Usage

• "The joker in the pack": An idiom referring to an unpredictable or unknown factor in a situation.
  • The new evidence is the joker in the pack that could change the trial's outcome.

Variants and Related Words

• Jokester (n): A person who tells or plays jokes; synonymous with 'joker' in the sense of a humorous person.
  • He's a known jokester, always pulling pranks.
• Joke (n/v): The humorous act or remark itself.
  • She told a funny joke.

Synonyms

• Clown: A person who acts comically or foolishly.
• Wag: A humorous person.
• Wild card: (In card contexts) A card whose value can be determined by the player.
• Catch: A hidden drawback or complication.

Related Phrases

• Play the joker: To use the joker card in a game; metaphorically, to introduce an unexpected element.
  • He decided to play the joker and reveal his secret plan.

Related Idioms

• "A joker up one's sleeve": To have a secret advantage or plan in reserve.
  • He seemed to be losing the debate, but he had a joker up his sleeve.

Noun

1. a playing card that is usually printed with a picture of a jester
2. an inconspicuous clause in a document or bill that affects its meaning in a way that is not immediately apparent
   • when I demanded my money he showed me the joker in the contract
3. a person who does something thoughtless or annoying
   • some joker is blocking the driveway
4. a person who enjoys telling or playing jokes