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.

Related

joking · just joking · poke · not serious · horseplay · humor · fun · having a laugh · raillery · playfulness · fooling about · clowning · pranking · banter · jesting · mischief · chase · silliness

Opposites
seriousness of behavior

kidding aroundgetting down to business

Focusing on the task

meaning business · no-nonsense · straight talk · keeping a straight face · deadpan

productivity/focus

kidding aroundbuckling down

Applying oneself with determination

knuckling down · focusing · concentrating · applying oneself · nose to the grindstone

emotional register

kidding aroundgrieving

Feeling sorrow after loss

mourning · brooding · lamenting

Family

kidding, kidded, around

Familiarity
Top 50,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G