kidding around
Acting silly together
Kidding around is playful, lighthearted behavior—joking, teasing, or goofing off without serious intent.
It suggests harmless fun rather than meaningful activity: We were just kidding around when the teacher walked in.
The phrase often appears as a defense or dismissal: Don't get upset, I was only kidding around.
- goofingBehaving in silly ways
- grinBroad, toothy smile
- teasingPlayful, mild ridicule
- pulling your legJoking to fool someone
- tomfooleryFoolish or silly behavior
joking · just joking · poke · not serious · horseplay · humor · fun · having a laugh · raillery · playfulness · fooling about · clowning · pranking · banter · jesting · mischief · chase · silliness
kidding aroundgetting down to business
Focusing on the task
meaning business · no-nonsense · straight talk · keeping a straight face · deadpan
kidding aroundbuckling down
Applying oneself with determination
knuckling down · focusing · concentrating · applying oneself · nose to the grindstone