20 Other Ways to Say “Just Kidding”
The phrase “just kidding” is one of the most commonly used expressions when we want to lighten the mood, signal that a statement shouldn’t be taken seriously, or pull back from a comment we didn’t entirely mean. For instance, if someone jokingly says, “I’m moving to Antarctica,” and then follows up with, “just kidding,” it signals they weren’t serious and meant it in jest.
However, there are many alternative ways to express the same playful or lighthearted sentiment, each offering slightly different tones—from teasing and sarcastic to gentle and humorous. Whether you’re chatting casually with friends, composing light social media captions, or trying to keep things upbeat in a conversation, knowing various ways to say “just kidding” can make your language more vivid, flexible, and expressive.
This article offers 20 creative and useful alternatives to “just kidding,” helping you add color, character, and nuance to your daily conversations.
Other Ways to Say “Just Kidding”
1. Only Joking
Example: “Relax, I’m only joking—I’m not actually going to eat your fries.”
Meaning: This phrase clarifies that the speaker’s previous comment was not serious and was meant in good humor.
Usage: Very common in both spoken and casual written English, particularly in friendly and informal situations.
2. Just Playing
Example: “I said I’d cancel your birthday party—just playing!”
Meaning: Suggests the speaker is pretending or teasing in a playful, non-serious manner.
Usage: Often used in relaxed or childlike conversations, where the speaker wants to emphasize that their words were meant to be fun, not offensive.
3. Only Teasing
Example: “I said your new shoes looked weird—only teasing.”
Meaning: This implies the speaker was gently making fun, but with no intention to hurt or offend.
Usage: Best used among people who are familiar and comfortable with each other, where light teasing is part of the dynamic.
4. Don’t Take It Seriously
Example: “I said I’d quit my job and move to the jungle—don’t take it seriously.”
Meaning: A clear directive that the previous statement wasn’t literal or intended to be believed.
Usage: Often used after making dramatic or exaggerated statements to tone down the reaction.
5. I’m Pulling Your Leg
Example: “You thought I got a tattoo of your face? I’m pulling your leg.”
Meaning: An idiom that means to joke or trick someone in a playful way.
Usage: Slightly more old-fashioned but still widely understood, often used when trying to gently fool someone for amusement.
6. Just Messing With You
Example: “I said your phone was in the toilet—just messing with you.”
Meaning: Indicates the speaker was joking in a slightly mischievous or teasing way.
Usage: Common among friends or siblings, this phrase adds a touch of sarcasm or light troublemaking to a joke.
7. Only Kidding
Example: “I told you I was moving in—only kidding.”
Meaning: A direct variation of “just kidding,” with the same meaning but slightly different rhythm and tone.
Usage: Works in most informal contexts, especially when the speaker wants to avoid sounding too serious.
8. Playing Around
Example: “I didn’t mean it when I said your cooking was terrible—I was just playing around.”
Meaning: Suggests the comment was part of harmless fun or light-hearted interaction.
Usage: Common in settings where joking or banter is part of the social dynamic.
9. Gotcha!
Example: “You thought I forgot your birthday? Gotcha!”
Meaning: A playful way to acknowledge a successful joke or trick.
Usage: Used especially when the speaker has successfully fooled someone temporarily and is now revealing the joke.
10. Psych!
Example: “I said I’d give you my last slice of pizza… psych!”
Meaning: An abrupt and youthful way of taking back a statement and revealing it was a joke.
Usage: Popular in playful or sarcastic interactions, especially among teenagers or in humorous situations.
11. Not Really
Example: “I said I’d bring a llama to the office—not really.”
Meaning: This clarifies immediately after the statement that the comment was not serious or truthful.
Usage: Works well in spoken language when you want to backtrack a silly or exaggerated statement without sounding too sarcastic.
12. Joking Around
Example: “I didn’t mean to scare you—I was just joking around.”
Meaning: Implies casual, light-hearted joking that isn’t meant to be taken seriously.
Usage: Used in friendly conversations where the speaker wants to reassure the listener that the intent was humorous, not serious.
13. It’s a Joke
Example: “You think I’d actually do that? It’s a joke.”
Meaning: This explicitly states the non-serious nature of the statement.
Usage: Best used when someone doesn’t initially catch that you were being playful and might have taken you seriously.
14. All in Good Fun
Example: “I said you were the worst dancer—all in good fun.”
Meaning: A way to reassure the other person that the comment was meant to be humorous, not hurtful.
Usage: Useful in group settings or casual banter where friendly teasing occurs.
15. I’m Just Having Fun
Example: “Don’t get upset—I’m just having fun.”
Meaning: Highlights the speaker’s intent to keep things playful or humorous.
Usage: Used when the speaker senses their joke might have been taken the wrong way and wants to ease tension.
16. Don’t Worry, I’m Joking
Example: “I said I’d eat your lunch—don’t worry, I’m joking.”
Meaning: A direct way to calm any anxiety the listener might feel after a joke.
Usage: Works well when speaking to someone who might take things literally or be unsure about your tone.
17. Just Playing With You
Example: “No, I didn’t delete your files—just playing with you.”
Meaning: Reinforces the non-serious nature of a teasing or mischievous comment.
Usage: Common in casual environments, especially among friends or coworkers who joke around frequently.
18. Just Fooling Around
Example: “I said I was going to tell the boss—just fooling around.”
Meaning: Suggests harmless mischief rather than serious intent.
Usage: Use this when you want to dial down any tension created by a sarcastic or dramatic statement.
19. Take It Easy, I’m Kidding
Example: “You look like you haven’t slept in a year—take it easy, I’m kidding.”
Meaning: This both makes the joke and simultaneously reassures the listener that it wasn’t meant to offend.
Usage: Best used when the joke could potentially hit a sensitive nerve, but the speaker wants to make clear it was lighthearted.
20. I Wasn’t Being Serious
Example: “I said I’d switch your coffee with decaf—I wasn’t being serious.”
Meaning: Straightforward and clear; it communicates that the previous remark wasn’t genuine.
Usage: Appropriate in settings where clarity matters, and you want to ensure no misunderstanding from the joke.
When to Use Different “Just Kidding” Alternatives
In Friendly Conversations
When speaking with close friends or family members, playful expressions like “just playing,” “pulling your leg,” or “gotcha” can enhance the tone of your conversation. These alternatives help build rapport, inject humor, and signal that the comment wasn’t meant seriously, especially if your group enjoys teasing or banter.
In Texting or Social Media
In digital communication, tone can often be misunderstood. Phrases like “psych,” “joking around,” or even “not really” can help make your intention clear without requiring emojis or lengthy clarification. Using these alternatives thoughtfully can prevent miscommunication and keep the tone light.
In Professional Settings (Use with Caution)
While joking is not off-limits in professional environments, it’s important to be mindful of context and relationships. If you choose to joke in a work setting, expressions like “all in good fun” or “don’t worry, I’m joking” are safer, as they more clearly signal your tone while maintaining respect and professionalism.
Conclusion
Saying “just kidding” is a natural way to pull back from a statement that wasn’t meant to be taken seriously, but with so many creative, expressive, and nuanced alternatives available, you can tailor your language to fit your tone, audience, and intent more precisely. Whether you’re playfully teasing a friend, writing a light-hearted caption, or joking around in conversation, choosing the right phrase can help keep things friendly, fun, and clear.
Mastering different ways to express humor or sarcasm not only improves your communication but also helps prevent misunderstandings. So the next time you crack a joke or make a playful exaggeration, try switching it up with one of these fresh alternatives to “just kidding.”
FAQs
What does “just kidding” mean?
“Just kidding” is a common English phrase used to signal that a statement was not serious and was meant as a joke or playful comment.
Is “just kidding” rude?
It depends on tone and context. Most of the time, it’s seen as light-hearted, but if the original statement is offensive or hurtful, adding “just kidding” may not soften the impact.
Can I use “just kidding” in writing?
Yes, especially in informal writing like texting, emails to friends, or social media posts. For formal writing, it’s better to avoid it or use more neutral language.
What’s the difference between “just kidding” and “just playing”?
They’re very similar, but “just playing” often feels more casual or childlike, while “just kidding” is more widely used among adults in different settings.
