jest
UK[dʒest]US[dʒest]
n
A thing said or done for amusement; a joke.
v
To speak or act in a joking manner.
Etymology
The word 'jest' entered English in the early 13th century from the Anglo-Norman 'geste', meaning a narrative of heroic deeds, which itself derived from the Latin 'gesta', meaning 'deeds' or 'exploits'. This Latin term is the neuter plural past participle of 'gerere', meaning 'to carry on, perform'. Over time, the meaning in English shifted from a serious account of heroic actions to a mock-heroic tale, and eventually to any idle tale or trifle. By the 1520s, this semantic evolution was complete, solidifying the modern sense of a joke or witty remark, moving from grand narratives to playful amusement.
Analysis
The word 'jest' is a simplex form. It is a loanword from Anglo-Norman and Middle French, where 'geste' meant a tale of exploits, especially in verse. Its functional role is as a complete lexical unit.
Examples
He said it in jest, not meaning to cause offense.
Her witty jests kept the entire dinner party entertained.
Don't jest about such serious matters.