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"JOSH - The best guess is that the Americanism 'josh,' for 'to kid' or 'fool around,' is a merging of 'joke' and 'bosh.' The pseudonym of an American writer may have something to do with the word, though. Henry Wheeler Shaw (1818-85) wrote his deliberately misspelled crackerbox philosophy under the pen name Josh Billings. Employing dialect, ridiculous spellings, deformed grammar, monstrous logic, puns, malapropisms, and anticlimax, he became one of the most popular literary comedians of his time. The expression 'to josh' was used about 18 years before Josh Billings began writing in 1863, but his salty aphorisms probably strengthened its meaning and gave the term wider currency." From "Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins" by Robert Hendrickson (Fact on File, New York, 1997)


An unproven tale has been handed down from the case of Josh Tatum and the Racketeer Nickel. Some generations ago, the slang term "joshing" became a popular synonym for the word "kidding", supposedly attributed to Josh Tatum. The next time someone laughs and says "I'm only joshing you", the image of a speechless man presenting a fake five dollar coin in an 1883 general store ought to come to mind!

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Related Questions

What is joshing?

Just joking.


Where did joshing originate?

The term "joshing" is believed to have originated in America around the 19th century. It likely comes from the earlier slang word "Josh," meaning a simpleton or fool. Over time, "joshing" has evolved to mean teasing or joking with someone in a light-hearted manner.


Where does the term just joshin you come from?

The term "just joshing you" is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is likely a colloquial expression derived from the name "Josh," used to indicate playful teasing or joking with someone. The exact origin is unclear, but it has become a common phrase to indicate that someone is being playful or kidding.


What do Jk jk and jj stand for in computer terminology?

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What is the definition of Joshing?

To josh someone is to tease them or put them on.


Is there a magazine called The Girls Gazzette?

No, but that's a good idea for MY magazine, so NOW there is a magazine calle "The Girls Gazzette" lol just joshing


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joshing around, horsing around, roughhousing rough play


What is a four letter word meaning joke or prank?

josh or in present continuous form: joshing


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juniper, jumping, joshing, jarring, jesting


What is the origin of joshing you?

The phrase "joshing you" likely comes from 19th century American slang, where "josh" meant to tease or joke with someone in a friendly manner. Over time, it evolved to mean playful banter or light-hearted teasing between friends or acquaintances.