What does waggery mean?
Waggery is an old-fashioned noun for jocularity, merriment, or playful amusement. It often describes wit that is good-natured, lively, and mildly irreverent, as in traditional comedy or anecdotal conversation, though it can also be used critically of mockery that appears frivolous or dismissive. The word is chiefly literary or archaic today and is less common than general terms such as mirth, humor, and jesting. Its slightly antiquated tone can add color to descriptions of playful speech, theatrical comedy, and informal social banter. Although relatively uncommon in contemporary English, waggery remains useful as a precise vocabulary choice when an author wants to emphasize the character of amusement rather than merely its existence, particularly in prose about wit, performance, or historical manners.
nounJocularity or merriment, especially playful, often mildly irreverent amusement. The word is now chiefly archaic or literary.
- Jocularity or merriment, especially playful and often mildly irreverent amusement.
"The old playmakers were famous for their wit and good-natured waggery."
"Her stories were full of warmth, wit, and affectionate waggery."
"The pamphlet was dismissed by critics as little more than political waggery."
The plural is used for distinct acts, displays, or instances of playful merriment.
"The evening's playful waggeriessoon gave way to more serious discussion."
Once a standard word for jesting and mirth, waggery now survives mainly in the shadows, where good humor likes to hide.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of waggery
Waggery was formed in the late 16th century from wag, used in the sense of joking or merriment, together with the suffix -ery. It developed through early modern English forms before settling on the modern spelling. Its root is the old English verb wag, meaning to move or shake, which also underlies waggle and waggish.
Related word forms
How waggery is actually used
Waggery has an archaic or literary tone. It can suggest broad, genial amusement, but it may also carry a faintly dismissive sense when applied to criticism or mockery that seems unserious.
Easily confused with waggery
Waggery is a noun meaning merriment or playful joking, whereas waggish is an adjective describing behavior, humor, or remarks that are playful and mischievous.