waggish

[ wag-ish ]

adjective

1. like a wag; roguish in merriment and good humor; jocular:

   Fielding and Sterne are waggish writers.

   Synonyms: funny, comical, droll, jocose, merry, mischievous, jocund

2. characteristic of or befitting a wag:

   waggish humor.

Other Words From

• waggish·ly adverb
• waggish·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of waggish¹

First recorded in 1580–90; wag + -ish ¹

Synonym Study

See humorous ¹.

Example Sentences

It’s less concerned with satisfying the expectations of its genre than in finding waggish ways to deviate from them.

From New York Times

His waggish vision — turning things upside down and inside out to revel in their strangeness — feels very current.

From New York Times

But this waggish show, which enjoyed a cult moment on Broadway, is borne aloft on vintage music from the Go-Go’s.

From Los Angeles Times

They are witty and waggish and wildly amusing.

From Washington Post

When I next peeked at my phone, I saw that my waggish tweet was already obsolete.

From Los Angeles Times