Jest
/dʒɛst/noun
A joke, playful remark, or act meant to amuse.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from a root meaning “to do” or “to perform,” which is why older related forms could mean a tale, deed, or performance—not just a joke.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*gei-
“to drive, set in motion, or perform”
Latin
Latin
gerere
“to carry on, bear, perform, do”
Late Latin
Latin
gesta
“deeds, exploits, acts”
Old French
Old French
geste
“deed, exploit; tale of deeds”
Middle English
English
gest
“a deed, exploit, or story”
Modern English
English
jest
“a joke or something said or done in fun”