Jocular
/ˈdʒɑːkjələr/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Jocular describes a way of speaking or behaving that is full of jokes and fun. It is used when someone is being lighthearted, playful, or humorous, often to make others laugh or feel good. It is not serious or formal but friendly and amusing.
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See It in Action
Playfully humorous or joking in speech or behavior
- •He made a jocular comment to lighten the mood during the meeting.
- •Her jocular personality makes her popular at parties.
- •The teacher’s jocular tone helped the students feel more comfortable.
Characterized by joking or jesting; not serious
- •Their conversation was jocular, full of laughter and fun.
- •He gave a jocular reply when asked about his plans.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "jocular" like "funny," but more about playful joking, not just making people laugh once
- ✓Picture a person smiling and telling a funny story with a happy, easy mood around them
- ✓It's the feeling you get when friends tease each other in a kind way or share light jokes
- ✓Sounds like "JOKE-you-lar" → imagine someone who always has a joke ready and laughs with you
- ✓Think of a clown or a comedian who makes people smile without being rude or mean
- ✓NOT like "serious" (strict, no jokes), "jocular" is relaxed and full of humor
- ✓NOT like "sarcastic" (mocking or hurtful humor), "jocular" is friendly and kind
- ✓NOT like "funny" (can be any humor), "jocular" is specifically playful and joking in a warm way
Try Other Words
- •Playful: showing fun and light behavior (Use when focusing on fun, not just jokes)
- •Humorous: causing laughter or amusement (Use when the focus is on making people laugh)
- •Witty: clever and quick humor (Use when jokes are smart and fast)
- •Lighthearted: cheerful and without worry (Use when mood is happy and relaxed)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "jocularis" meaning "jesting, humorous" derived from "jocus" meaning "joke"
- •Etymology: Latin origin, related to joking or jesting
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 1600s to describe joking or merry behavior
- •Modern usage: Used to describe people, speech, or behavior that is joking, friendly, and playful without being serious
Reflect & Connect
•How can being jocular help improve your relationships with others?
•When might being jocular be inappropriate or misunderstood?
Fill in the blanks
1.He used a jocular tone to ___ the tension in the room during the serious discussion.
2.Her jocular remarks often make people ___ and feel relaxed around her.
3.Unlike a sarcastic comment, a jocular joke is meant to be ___ and friendly.
4.The manager’s jocular attitude helped ___ a positive work environment.
5.People usually feel comfortable when someone speaks in a jocular ___.
6.A jocular personality often ___ well in social gatherings and parties.
7.You should avoid a jocular style when the situation is ___ or requires seriousness.