Phrasal verbs "joke around" vs "play around"

Differences between joke around and play around

Joke around usually means to make humorous comments or do something funny in a playful way, whereas play around generally means to engage in activities without a specific purpose or goal.

Meanings and Definitions: joke around vs play around

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Joke around

• 1. Be funny, or try to.

  He's always JOKING AROUND in class.

Play around

• 1. Be silly.

  The children were PLAYING AROUND and being annoying.

• 2. Be sexually promiscuous or unfaithful.

  I PLAYED AROUND a lot at college.

Usage Examples: joke around, play around in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

joke around

Example

He always jokes around with his friends.

Example

She jokes around at work to lighten the mood.

play around

Example

She always encourages her kids to play around outside.

Example

He often plays around with his guitar during breaks.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Joke around

fool around

To behave in a silly or playful way, often without a specific purpose.

Example

The kids were fooling around in the park, playing tag and chasing each other.

mess around

To engage in playful or mischievous behavior, often without a specific goal or purpose.

Example

He spent the afternoon messing around with his new camera, taking random pictures of objects and people.

kid around

To make jokes or tease someone in a playful and friendly way.

Example

We always kid around with each other at work, making fun of our mistakes and sharing funny stories.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Play around

hang out

To spend time with someone in a relaxed and informal way, often without a specific plan or activity.

Example

We decided to hang out at the beach for the day, enjoying the sun and the waves.

chill out

To relax and take it easy, often by doing nothing or engaging in low-key activities.

Example

After a long week at work, he just wanted to chill out at home, watching movies and eating pizza.

mess around

To engage in playful or mischievous behavior, often without a specific goal or purpose.

Example

He spent the afternoon messing around with his new camera, taking random pictures of objects and people.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “play”

• play up
• play upon
• play up to
• play back
• play at

Phrasal Verbs with “around”

• root around
• stick around
• monkey around
• play around
• jerk around

Differences in joke around vs play around: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: joke around or play around?

In daily conversation, people use joke around and play around with similar frequency. Both phrases are used in casual conversations with friends and family. However, joke around may be more common in situations where humor is the main focus, while play around may be more common when referring to leisure activities.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of joke around and play around

Joke around and play around are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are not suitable for formal settings like business or academic contexts. In those situations, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of joke around and play around

The tone of joke around and play around can differ based on context. Joke around often carries a lighthearted and humorous tone, while play around can have a more relaxed and carefree tone, especially when referring to leisure activities.

joke around & play around: Synonyms and Antonyms

Joke around

Synonyms

• banter
• kid
• tease
• play
• fool around
• make fun
• amuse oneself

Antonyms

• focus
• concentrate
• be serious
• work hard
• stay on task

Play around

Synonyms

• experiment
• dabble
• mess around
• toy with
• tinker

Antonyms

• focus
• be serious
• work diligently
• refrain from experimenting