Looking up...
only joking
/ˈoʊnli ˈdʒoʊkɪŋ/
just kidding
I'm not actually mad—I was only joking!
The speaker clarifies they were not serious and meant to be playful.
informal
A phrase used to indicate that something said was meant in a humorous or non-serious way.
I told her she looked like a potato, but I was only joking!
The speaker clarifies their playful insult was not meant seriously.
Don't worry, it was only joking—I didn't mean to offend you.
The speaker reassures the listener that their words were not intended to cause harm.
Commonly used in casual conversation to soften a statement that might otherwise be taken seriously. Often follows a potentially offensive or exaggerated remark.
Collocations
just kiddingalternative phrase with the same meaningonly teasingsimilar phrase indicating playful provocation
Antonyms
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use 'only joking'
Use this phrase after a remark that might sound rude, exaggerated, or confusing to show you were being playful. It helps avoid misunderstandings in conversations.
Gold Rule
Tone matters
Even with 'only joking,' tone and context are key. If your delivery is flat or the listener is sensitive, they might still take offense. Always ensure your intent is clear.
Word Origin
The phrase combines the adverb 'only' (from Old English 'ānlic', meaning 'solely') and the present participle 'joking' (from 'joke', via French 'joc' from Latin 'iocus', meaning 'jest'). The expression emerged in the late 19th century as a way to clarify playful intent in speech.
Usage Notes
Typically used after a statement that could be misinterpreted as serious or offensive. It signals that the speaker did not mean what they said literally. The phrase is informal and best suited for casual or friendly contexts.
Word Breakdown
only
simply or merely
adverbjoking
engaging in playful humor
verb (present participle)English Dictionary