kidder
C1informal, conversational
Definition
Meaning
A person who jokes or teases others playfully.
Can refer to a person who deceives or tricks others, though this is less common and often retains a playful or non-malicious tone.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a familiar, often affectionate noun to label someone known for their joking nature. It can imply a lighthearted personality trait rather than a single act of joking.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in British English as a familiar label.
Connotations
Generally warm and affectionate; implies familiarity with the person.
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, used mostly in spoken, informal contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[be] a bit of a kidder[be] such a kidderVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Oh, you kidder!”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May be used in very informal team settings to describe a colleague.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used in casual conversation among friends or family.
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He's always kidding, that one.
American English
- Don't kid a kidder.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My grandad is a real kidder.
- You have to take what he says with a pinch of salt; he's a bit of a kidder.
- Despite his stern exterior, he was known among his friends as an incorrigible kidder.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'kid' who likes to 'kid' (joke) around. A 'kidder' is someone who does that.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLAYFULNESS IS A PERSON (Personification of the act of kidding).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'kid' (child). The '-er' suffix indicates an agent noun.
- Avoid direct translation to 'обманщик' (deceiver), as 'kidder' is not malicious.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'He kidders me' is incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'kiddo' (a term of endearment).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'kidder' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively low-frequency and used mostly in informal spoken English.
Rarely. It is almost always affectionate or neutral, implying playful deception rather than serious deceit.
They are very close synonyms. 'Kidder' specifically implies teasing or playful deception, while 'joker' is broader and can refer to any kind of humorous person.
Yes, it is the agent noun derived from the verb 'to kid' meaning to joke or tease playfully.