jest
/dʒɛst/
noun
Origin
Latin
gestum — a deed, action, performance
Overview
Meaning Now
- A thing said or done for amusement; a witticism or joke.
- A mocking remark or a taunt.
Literal older meaning
exploits, deeds
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
geste
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word originates from the Latin 'gesta' (things done). Originally, it referred to 'gestes' or 'chansons de geste'—epic poems chronicling the heroic deeds of legendary figures. By the late Middle English period, the word broadened to include any narrative or story, eventually narrowing to refer specifically to jokes or trivial talk as the gravity of the heroic association faded.
Evolution
- Latin
gestum
“deed, action”
Past participle of gerere (to do).
- Old French
geste
“story of adventures, deed”
Evolved into 'chanson de geste'.
- Middle English
geste
“a story, tale, or notable achievement”
Borrowed from Old French.
- 16th century English
jest
“joke, witty remark”
Shifted from a notable deed to a story of such, then to lighthearted jesting.
Connections
Word parts
jest
root
a joke or act of wit
Related across languages
French
geste
gesture or deed
Explore next
Related to jest
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.