What does yage mean?
“Yage” is a rare, chiefly Scottish and northern English noun meaning a joke or jest. It can refer either to the humorous remark itself or, in phrases such as “tell a yage,” to the act of joking with someone. The word has an old-fashioned, distinctly regional character and is much less common in present-day English than the neutral words “joke” and “jest.” It may suggest teasing or playful ridicule rather than a carefully constructed comic story. “Yage” is therefore chiefly useful as a regional or historical term, though it gives vivid period writing and dialect dialogue a period flavour. In ordinary modern speech, “joke” is the usual choice, while “jest” remains the closest established synonym. Because the word is uncommon, its exact tone can vary with context, but it consistently belongs to the vocabulary of amusement, banter, and good-natured mockery rather than serious criticism.
nounA joke or jest, especially one intended to amuse or tease someone.
- A joke or jest.
" The old tailor told us a yage that had everyone laughing."
"He spoke in yage, pretending not to notice the visitors."
"The story was told as a yage rather than as serious news."
The plural is rarely encountered because the word itself is uncommon.
"They exchanged yages over their cups of tea."
A yage is an old-fashioned Scottish and northern English word for a joke—one especially good at raising a laugh.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of yage
The word is recorded in Middle English and comes from northern British usage. Its precise source is uncertain, and it developed in the same medieval English linguistic area where Scots and northern dialects retained distinctive forms. In modern times it has survived chiefly as a literary or dialectal term for a jest or joke.
How yage is actually used
The word is archaic and chiefly associated with Scottish and northern English usage; modern speakers are more likely to say “jest” or “joke.”
Easily confused with yage
“Yage” is a rare dialectal noun meaning a joke or jest, whereas “yacht” is a boat.