What does jape mean?
A jape is a joke, prank, or piece of playful mischief, especially one involving teasing or deception for amusement. The expression is chiefly informal and is especially common in British English, although it also occurs in older, literary, or historical usage. A jape need not be harmful, and the word often suggests something mischievous rather than malicious. In earlier usage, both the noun and the related verb could also refer to jesting, mockery, or treating someone with playful ridicule. The word now survives most freely in the noun, particularly in the expression “play a jape.” Although it can be close in meaning to “prank,” “joke,” and “jest,” it has a slightly old-fashioned or distinctly British flavour that separates it from many modern synonyms.
A prank, joke, or playful act of teasing or mischief.
"The missing shoes were another of his harmless japes."
Chiefly British and informal; somewhat old-fashioned in many modern contexts.
To jest, mock, or make fun of someone, especially in a playful manner.
"The young man japed with the older members of the company."
Archaic or literary; uncommon in contemporary standard English.
The plural is used for individual jokes, pranks, or acts of playful mischief.
"The children told harmless japes that made everyone laugh."
A jape often carries a sense of playful mischief rather than a serious attempt to deceive or hurt.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of jape
The origin of “jape” is uncertain. It was established in English by the later 16th century, initially especially in northern usage, for jesting or joking. Its modern sense for a prank developed from that older association with playful mockery, while the verb survives mainly in archaic and literary contexts.
Related word forms
How jape is actually used
The noun is now chiefly British and informal. In older English it could sound more formal or literary, while the verb is largely archaic.
Easily confused with jape
A jape is generally a prank or joke, whereas a jibe is a mocking or derisive remark directed at someone.