waggery

[ wag-uh-ree ]

noun

, plural wag·ger·ies.

1. the action, spirit, or language of a wag; roguish or droll humor:

   the waggery of Shakespeare's clowns.

2. a waggish act; jest or joke.

Word History and Origins

Origin of waggery¹

First recorded in 1585–95; wag + -ery

Example Sentences

Our critic said the sequel has “much of the likable, self-aware waggery” of the first movie.

From New York Times

“Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2” has all the digital bells and whistles as well as much of the likable, self-aware waggery of the first.

From New York Times

The New York Times' Manohla Dargis writes that "More is more and is, at times, just right in '22 Jump Street,' an exploding pinata of gags, pratfalls, winking asides, throwaway one-liners and self-reflexive waggery."

From Los Angeles Times

More is more and is, at times, just right in “22 Jump Street,” an exploding piñata of gags, pratfalls, winking asides, throwaway one-liners and self-reflexive waggery.

From New York Times

Let me speak, And I will tell you such a waggery Will make you laugh and split your pretty sides: I stole the Royal Mail!

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• catastrophe
• evil
• misconduct
• playfulness
• prank
• sabotage
• vandalism
• wrongdoing