rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryjocosePlayfully humorous
adjective

jocose

juh-KOHS/dʒəˈkəʊs/

Playfully humorous or joking.

The jocose man makes an oversized smile from orange wedges, amusing his companion.

At a casual table, a man playfully holds two orange wedges over his mouth as an absurd oversized smile, raising his eyebrows toward a companion who laughs at the joke.
Etymology
jocLatinjoke, pastime
+oseLatinfull of

The pieces express being “full of jokes,” describing a disposition toward jesting rather than a single joke. This gives jocose its sense of being playful or joking in manner.

More examples

  • She adopts a jocose tone when telling the story.
  • Their jocose banter makes the long drive more enjoyable.
  • The invitation includes a jocose warning about Dad's cooking.

Forms

jocose

jocosely adverb — In a playfully humorous or joking manner.

Similar words

jocular
Very close in meaning; often describes a person's joking manner.
humorous
Broader: describes anything funny, not necessarily playful or joking.
facetious
Often suggests joking when a serious response is expected.