noun

jape

JAYP

Jape (noun) means a prank or piece of playful mischief, especially one described in a light-hearted or old-fashioned way. Example: “The boys were caned for what the headmaster called a schoolboy jape.”

noun

A prank or piece of playful mischief, especially one described in a light-hearted or old-fashioned way.

"The boys were caned for what the headmaster called a schoolboy jape."

"Swapping the club's flag for a pirate one was dismissed as a harmless jape."

A joke or witty remark.

"He opened his speech with a jape at his own expense."

verb

To joke or play tricks.

"They japed and larked about until the bell went."

How to use jape

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old-fashioned word for a prank.

When to use it

Archaic or humorously literary. British.

Memory tip

Safe to recognise but risky to use; in most sentences "prank" is the natural choice.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

prank → lark → caper →

Common pairings

a schoolboy jape a harmless jape a student jape

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Can you complete this real example?

The boys were caned for what the headmaster called a schoolboy _____.

Etymology

Middle English jape, of uncertain origin; possibly from Old French japer, to yelp or chatter.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

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prank caper lark escapade practical joke jest quip witticism joke clown

Related words

job sport joke adventure idiot fool Josh sally

Rhymes for jape

ape rape tape gape nape cape agape grape shape drape Snape escape

See all rhymes for jape →

Frequently asked questions

Is jape still used today?

Rarely, and almost always deliberately. British writers reach for it when they want a slightly arch, public-school or Victorian tone, and it turns up in headlines about student stunts.

What is the difference between a jape and a prank?

They mean the same thing, but the register is very different. "Prank" is the ordinary modern word; "jape" is archaic and jokey, and using it signals that the writer is not taking the incident seriously.

What is the meaning of jape?

"jape" (noun) means a prank or piece of playful mischief, especially one described in a light-hearted or old-fashioned way.

What is another word for jape?

Other words for "jape" include prank, caper, lark, escapade, practical joke, jest.

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