A Jest Was Originally a Heroic Deed
A jest is a joke. The word once meant an exploit, and travelled from heroism to humour.
A jest is a joke or playful remark. It comes from Latin *gesta*, deeds, and originally meant a narrative of heroic exploits — the same word as in *chanson de geste*. As such tales became more entertaining and less serious, the word slid from the deed to the tale to the joke. *Many a true word is spoken in jest* is recorded from Chaucer, and *jester* named the professional fool of a medieval court.
- A joke. *In jest.*
- A heroic tale (archaic). *Gesta.*
- To joke. *He was jesting.*
- Jester — a court fool. *A jester.*
- Latin — *gesta*, deeds. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | jest | A jest. |
| Plural | jests | Jests. |
| Verb | jest | Jesting. |
| Agent | jester | A jester. |
| Latin | gesta | Deeds. |
- He said it in jest.Joke.
- The jester wore bells.Court.
- Gesta means deeds.Etymology.
The gesta family
- Jest — from a tale of deeds to a joke
- Gesture — a bodily action carrying meaning
- Digest — to carry apart, hence to break down
- Register — from carrying back a record
- Suggest — to carry an idea from below
Latin *gesta*, deeds or exploits, from *gerere*, to carry on or perform.
Did jest always mean a joke?
No. It meant a narrative of heroic deeds. As such tales grew lighter the word moved from the deed to the joke.
What was a court jester?
A professional entertainer at a medieval court, licensed to say things others could not, within limits.