French word

plaisanterie

Pronunciation

IPA/plɛzɑ̃təʁi/

Meaning

  • feminine nounjoke

Example

Ne prends pas cette plaisanterie au sérieux.

Don't take this joke seriously.

Illustration for plaisanterie (joke)

More examples

Il aime faire une plaisanterie pour détendre l'atmosphère.

He likes to make a joke to lighten the mood.

Core concept

A playful verbal or practical trick offered without a serious claim or harmful purpose.

Common phrases

  • faire une plaisanterie

    make a joke

  • raconter une plaisanterie

    tell a joke

Similar words

blague: A short spoken or written joke or funny story.
humour: A sense of humor or fun that helps put people at ease.
taquinerie: Playful teasing that shows affection and familiarity.

Definition in French

Parole ou acte léger visant à provoquer le rire ou la taquinerie, sans intention sérieuse.

Word origin

French formed plaisanterie from plaisanter by adding -erie, a suffix used for activities, behavior, or their results.

Usage tips

  • Blague is more common in everyday speech, while plaisanterie can sound more neutral or slightly formal depending on context.

Other meanings

  • teasingnoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word