jocularity

jocular +‎ -ity

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌd͡ʒɑkjəˈlɛɹɪti/

jocularity (countable and uncountable, plural jocularities)

1. Joking, humorous remarks or behaviour.
   • 1791, James Boswell, “(please specify the year)”, in The Life of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. […], London: […] Henry Baldwin, for Charles Dilly, […], →OCLC, page 494:

     It should seem he had that day been in a humour for jocularity and merriment, and upon such occasions I never knew a man laugh more heartily.

   • 1824 June, [Walter Scott], “chapter 5”, in Redgauntlet, […], volume III, Edinburgh: […] [James Ballantyne and Co.] for Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Hurst, Robinson, and Co., →OCLC, page 156:

     […] Cristal Nixon at that moment rode up to them, and said, with an affectation of jocularity which sat very ill upon his sullen features, […]

   • 1980, Anthony Burgess, chapter 74, in Earthly Powers, London: Hutchinson:

     All were armed with pistols, and there was a small armoury of rifles against a wall. “Guns,” I said with fearful jocularity, “in a holy place?”

   • 1989, Jack Vance, chapter 4, in Madouc:

     Madouc was neither pleased nor impressed by Prince Bittern’s mannerisms, and remained pointedly unresponsive to his lame jocularities.

• jokefulness