josh

To "josh" someone means to tease them in a playful, good-natured way. It is not meant to be cruel or hurtful, but light and friendly instead. You might josh your best friend about their terrible singing voice, knowing they will laugh it off. The word usually suggests an easy, familiar relationship where both people understand that the teasing is not serious. It is mostly used as a verb, especially when talking about friendly kidding between people.

"Josh" is usually a verb that means to tease someone playfully or joke with them in a light, friendly way. It suggests warmth rather than meanness. The point is not to upset the other person, but to share a laugh in a way that feels safe and familiar.

You might josh a sibling about their messy room or tease a friend about their strange taste in music. It often includes exaggeration or gentle mockery, and it usually happens in a setting where the other person knows no harm is meant. For instance, saying "He joshed her about her fear of spiders" suggests friendly teasing, not a serious attack.

The word is especially associated with American English and became common in the United States in the 19th century. Its exact origin is uncertain. Some people have linked it to the humorist Josh Billings, but that connection is not fully settled. "Josh" can also appear as a noun meaning playful teasing, though that use is less common than the verb.

While it can look similar to words like "mock" or "tease," "josh" usually carries a stronger sense of friendliness and shared humor. It works best when the person being teased is clearly in on the joke. So if you are lightly poking fun at a friend and both of you are smiling, that is the kind of moment this word describes.