leg-pull
Friendly trick played
A leg-pull is a playful deception or joke at someone's expense—a prank meant to tease rather than harm.
The term comes from the idea of tripping someone up, making them stumble into believing something false: Was that story true or just a leg-pull?
The person doing it is pulling your leg.
Humorous statement seeking laughter
- hoaxDeliberate deception for effect
- gagMouth restraint or jest
- jestHumorous remark or act
- japeMocking trick or quip
trick · put-on · wind-up · spoof · lark · rib · caper · antic
Affectionate verbal teasing
- joshingPlayful mocking
- kiddingTeasing playfully
- banterPlayful, teasing exchange
- railleryHumorous, affectionate teasing
chaffing · badinage · twitting · needling · goading · razzing · roasting · jesting
Clever, inventive humor
- facetiousnessHumorous levity, often inappropriate
- jocularityHumorous, playful manner
- drolleryWhimsical, understated humor
- playfulnessLighthearted, frisky spirit
levity · mirth · tongue-in-cheek · whimsy · silliness · wisecrack · one-liner · zinger
joke
Humorous statement seeking laughter
jape · trick · put-on · wind-up · spoof · lark · rib · caper · antic · stunt
ribbing
Affectionate verbal teasing
raillery · chaffing · badinage · twitting · needling · goading · razzing · roasting · jesting · mockery
wit
Clever, inventive humor
- facetiousnessHumorous levity, often inappropriate
- jocularityHumorous, playful manner
- drolleryWhimsical, understated humor
playfulness · levity · mirth · tongue-in-cheek · whimsy · silliness · wisecrack · one-liner · zinger · punchline
leg-pullhonesty
Truthfulness, sincerity
sincerity · straight talk · truthfulness · plain truth · candor