What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
joshing
Example
Stop joshing me, I know I'm not the best singer. [joshing: verb]
Example
The group of friends spent the evening joshing and laughing together. [joshing: gerund or present participle]
teasing
Example
My brother was always teasing me about my height when we were growing up. [teasing: verb]
Example
The coworkers engaged in some friendly teasing during their lunch break. [teasing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Teasing is more commonly used than joshing in everyday language. Teasing is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while joshing is less common and refers to a specific type of playful humor.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between joshing and teasing?
Both joshing and teasing are informal and casual words that are used in social settings among friends or family. Neither word is appropriate for formal or professional contexts.
