What does josh mean?
To josh someone is to tease, mock, or make fun of that person, usually in a playful rather than hostile way. The word is informal and is used most often in North America, though it is understood in British English as well. As a noun, a josh is an individual act of mockery or teasing. “Just joshing” is a familiar way to indicate that a remark or action is not meant seriously. Josh commonly appears in conversations about banter between friends, teammates, or colleagues, and its implication is generally that the teasing is good-natured. The expression can nevertheless be used for sarcasm or sharper ridicule when the context makes the speaker's attitude clear. Although the word sounds ordinary and modern, its precise origin is unknown; it was already established in American English by the early nineteenth century.
To mock, tease, or make fun of someone, especially in a playful manner.
"We joshed him about his newly invented title."
Informal and chiefly North American; often friendly in tone.
An act of teasing, mockery, or playful fun-making.
"Her comment was meant as a josh."
Informal and chiefly North American.
The plural is possible when referring to separate instances of teasing or mockery, but the noun is more often used in the singular or as a mass noun.
"Their joshes never went beyond harmless teasing."
The word josh is a distinctly North American term for playful mockery, and even its ancient origins remain a mystery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does josh come from?
The origin of josh is uncertain; it is not securely traceable to an earlier word or known etymological root. The term was in use in American English by the early nineteenth century, and no group of securely established cognates can be identified from the available evidence.
Related word forms
How josh is actually used
Informal and chiefly North American. It usually implies teasing that is lighthearted or good-natured, although it can also describe a more pointed attempt to mock someone.