"Kidding"

Posted by James Briggs on August 19, 2003

In Reply to: "Kidding" posted by woody on August 19, 2003

: As in "I was just Kidding," Meaning to joke or tease. Why is the word Kidding used? Does it have anything to do with baby goats?

In a way, I guess. 'Kids' is also a term for young humans. The phrase possibly comes from the idea of trying to make someone look small or childish - to 'make a kid' of them. It's the only suggested origin in my Hoad's 'English Etymology'.

• "Kidding" ESC 19/August/03