Definition

Noun: * Good-natured deception or teasing; a joke where someone tries to make another person believe something that is not true. It is a form of humor involving a fabricated story or statement, told with the intent to amuse rather than to harm, and typically revealed as untrue soon after.

Usage

• Leg-pulling is an uncountable noun. You do not typically say "a leg-pulling" or "leg-pullings." Instead, you refer to the general activity.
• It is used to describe an instance or a pattern of this type of joking behavior.
• Common verbs used with it include: .

Examples

• "Don't take him seriously; it's just leg-pulling."
• "He's very fond of leg-pulling, so always check his stories."
• "I realized it was leg-pulling when I saw everyone start to laugh."
• "She's a victim of good-natured leg-pulling from her colleagues."

Advanced Usage

• The term can imply a sense of camaraderie or familiarity, as it is often done among friends or colleagues.
• It contrasts with malicious deception; leg-pulling is intended to be humorous and temporary.
• The phrase "It was only leg-pulling" is commonly used to clarify that a previous statement was a joke and not meant to be believed.

Variants and Related Words

• Leg-pull (noun, countable): A single instance or act of leg-pulling.
  • Example: "He told me a complete leg-pull about winning the lottery."
• To pull someone's leg (verb phrase, idiomatic): The action of engaging in leg-pulling.
  • Example: "Is he serious, or is he pulling my leg?"

Synonyms

• Teasing: Making fun of someone in a playful way.
• Kidding: Speaking in a joking manner, not seriously.
• Ribbing: Good-humored teasing or mockery.
• Joking: The act of saying something to provoke laughter.
• Banter: The playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To pull someone's leg: To tease someone by telling them something untrue as a joke.
  • Example: "Relax, I'm just pulling your leg! Of course you passed the exam."
• Only joking / Just kidding: Phrases used to immediately indicate that a previous statement was leg-pulling.
  • Example: "You believed that? I was only joking!"

Noun

1. as a joke: trying to make somebody believe something that is not true