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waggery

/ˈwægəri/
IPA guide

Other forms: waggeries

A state of being silly or mischiveous is waggery. Your extremely formal, old-fashioned teacher might bring the class's outbreak of giggles to an end by shouting, "Enough of that waggery!"

Not too many people use the word waggery these days, but it's the perfect way to describe someone's jocular, playful — but slightly wicked — remarks or behavior. You can tell your impish little sister you're tired of her waggery or accuse your practical-joking uncle of waggery. The word, along with the adjective waggish, comes from wag, or "jokester."

Definitions of waggery
  1. noun
    waggish behavior
    synonyms: waggishness
    see moresee less
    type of:
    fun, play, sport
    verbal wit or mockery (often at another's expense but not to be taken seriously)
  2. noun
    a quaint and amusing jest
    synonyms: drollery
    see moresee less
    type of:
    jest, jocularity, joke
    activity characterized by good humor
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