Jape - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A jape is a playful joke or prank, often lighthearted and humorous. It refers to a witty remark or trick meant to amuse rather than offend.
Definition:
A playful or mischievous trick, joke, or prank.
Synonyms:
prank, jest, gag, trick, hoax
Part of Speech:
noun, verb
Antonyms:
seriousness, solemnity
Common Collocations:
practical jape, harmless jape, elaborate jape
Derivatives:
japery, japer
Usage Tips:
Use "jape" to describe lighthearted tricks or jokes, often in a humorous context.
Common Phrases:
April Fools' jape, schoolboy jape, a jape gone wrong
Etymology:
Originated in Middle English from Old French "japer," meaning to bark or yelp mockingly.
Examples:
- 1. The children planned a silly jape for April Fools' Day.
- 2. His harmless jape made everyone laugh at the party.
- 3. She rolled her eyes at his childish jape.
- 4. The comedian's clever jape caught the audience off guard.