jest etymology

Etymology:

• Old English: "gest"
• Proto-Germanic: "*gast-"
• Proto-Indo-European: "*gʰosti-" (guest, stranger)

Meaning:

• A humorous or satirical performance, especially in the form of a play or sketch.
• A harmless prank or trick.
• A playful or teasing remark.

Origin:

The term "jest" originally evolved from the Old English word "gest," which referred to a guest or stranger. This is likely because medieval court jesters were often outsiders brought in to entertain the king and his court.

Over time, the term "jest" came to be associated specifically with the humorous and satirical performances that these jesters gave. The meaning eventually expanded to include any type of playful or teasing remark or prank.

jest relate terms

• gest

  Etymology The word gest derives from the Old French word geste meaning deed exp

• jest

  Etymology Old English gest Proto Germanic gast Proto Indo European gʰosti

• jester

  Etymology The word jester originates from the Old French word gesteur which means a

• jest

  Etymology Old English gest Proto Germanic gast Proto Indo European gʰosti

• joke

  Etymology The word joke originates from the Middle English term jopen meaning to j

• joke

  Etymology The word joke originates from the Middle English term jopen meaning to j

• joke

  Etymology The word joke originates from the Middle English term jopen meaning to j

• scoff

  Etymology Old French escoufler Late Latin exsufflare to blow out breathe upon Lat

• jape

  Etymology The word jape is derived from the Middle English word jape which is itself

• scoptic

  Etymology Greek skoptō to mock ridicule examine Latin scopto to scrutinize

• retort

  Etymology The word retort has two etymological roots Latin retorquere meaning to

• howler

  Etymology The word howler comes from the Old English word hówlian meaning to howl