What does waggish mean?
Waggish describes behavior, speech, or writing that is playful, humorous, and often a little mischievous. The word commonly applies to remarks, smiles, stories, and humorous styles that create an atmosphere of teasing good humor. A waggish comment is usually intended to amuse or gently provoke laughter, although in some contexts it can imply mild irreverence or a lighthearted challenge to authority. The adjective is used in both British and American English and has a somewhat literary, old-fashioned flavor, but it remains natural in modern prose and conversation. It is especially useful when an author wants to distinguish teasing amusement from ordinary humor, suggesting that the humor has a mischievous or knowing edge. For example, a waggish remark can be witty and playful without being truly hostile, while a waggish novel may satirize social conventions through a deliberately irreverent voice.
adjectivePlayful, humorous, and often slightly mischievous or teasing. A waggish remark or smile is intended to be amusing rather than seriously hostile.
- Playful, humorous, and often slightly mischievous or teasing.
"He made a waggish remark about her new hat, prompting laughter from the rest of the group."
"The children responded to his waggish suggestion with a burst of laughter."
"Her waggish novel satirizes political life while pretending to be a lighthearted romance."
Waggish is the perfect word for humor that carries a wink: playful enough to amuse, but never too serious to sting.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How waggish is actually used
Commonly informal and literary in tone. It often suggests playful teasing or mild irreverence, rather than cruelty or serious mockery.