Blague

Blague is a French noun that denotes a joke or a prank. It can refer to a short humorous story, a witty remark, or a practical joke designed to amuse others. The expression faire une blague is common, and the term is used across informal speech, media, and humor genres in French-speaking contexts.

Historically, the word dates from the Middle Ages in Old French, with derivatives such as blaguer meaning to joke or jest. The precise etymology is uncertain, but the term has long been linked to lighthearted deception rather than serious intent. Similar terms exist in other languages to designate jokes or pranks.

Blagues vary in form: one-liners, puns (calembours), anecdotes, or visual gags; they can be verbal, written, or physical. A blague may be playful and affectionate, or cheeky and satirical. In some cases, it overlaps with canulars or farces when deception is used to surprise the audience; social norms govern what is acceptable and what may cause offense or harm.

Humor in French-speaking cultures includes stand-up, vaudeville, and online content, where blagues circulate as part of everyday exchanges and media. The reception of a blague depends on timing, audience, and context; what is well received in one setting may be inappropriate in another, reflecting cultural and individual differences in humor.

Related terms include plaisanterie, calembour, canular, and humour; blagues differ by intention, format, and social setting.