Pronunciation: [d͡ʒˈə͡ʊkə] (IPA) 
The word "joker" is spelled with a "j" sound and a long "o" sound, represented by the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈdʒoʊkər/. The "j" sound is created by the letter "j," which sounds like the "dg" in "judge." The long "o" sound is created by the combination of the letters "o" and "e," which make the sound "oh." Altogether, "joker" is pronounced as "joh-ker." It refers to someone who tells jokes or plays tricks on others for amusement.
Joker is a noun that can be defined in multiple contexts. In the realm of playing cards or a deck of cards, a joker refers to a card, often featuring a jester or a clown, that is not part of the standard card suits and is usually considered wild or can take on any value determined by the game. The joker card is commonly used in various card games, such as poker, to introduce an element of unpredictability or chance.
Beyond card games, joker can also refer to a person who frequently jokes or makes wisecracks, often with the intention of making others laugh. This individual possesses a humorous and often irreverent sense of humor, finding amusement in light-hearted banter and wordplay. Known for their wit and ability to entertain, jokers often have a knack for timing and delivery, as well as the ability to adapt their humor to different situations or audiences.
Alternatively, joker can be used to describe a fictional character, particularly from comic books, who embodies mischief, chaos, and unpredictability. The Joker is a well-known antagonist in the Batman series, notorious for his maniacal laughter, sinister appearance, and penchant for wreaking havoc in Gotham City. This variation of the joker is often depicted as a cunning and ruthless criminal mastermind, perpetually opposing the Dark Knight with his deranged schemes and twisted sense of humor.
Overall, joker can represent a card in a deck, a person who tells jokes, or a fictional character with a mischievous and unpredictable nature.
A merry fellow; a jester.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "joker" originates from the English language, specifically during the 19th century. Its etymology can be traced back to an earlier term "joke", which originally meant a jest or a prank. "Joker" emerged as a noun form of "joke" to refer to a person who frequently tells jokes or plays tricks on others. Over time, the term became associated with the playing card character, the joker, known for its role as a wild card in playing card games. The modern usage of "joker" expanded to encompass someone who is humorous, witty, or known for their humorous behavior.
