jocularity

jocular +‎ -ity

• (US) IPA^(key): /ˌdʒɑkjəˈlɛɹɪti/

jocularity (countable and uncountable, plural jocularities)

1. Joking, humorous remarks or behaviour.
   • 1791, James Boswell, The Life of Samuel Johnson, London: Charles Dilly, p. 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, Walter Scott, Redgauntlet, Edinburgh: Archibald Constable & Co., Volume III, Chapter 5, p. 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, Earthly Powers, London: Hutchinson, Chapter 74,

     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, Madouc, Chapter Four,

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

• jokefulness