jokers

Jokers is a term that describes several related concepts in games, folklore, and popular culture. In playing cards, a joker is a special card included in most modern decks. Typically two jokers are printed, often labeled “Big Joker” and “Little Joker.” Jokers vary by deck design and are often used as wild cards or substitutes in a range of games. In many games they can serve as permanent high or low trumps, or be removed altogether. The origin of the joker card is not entirely clear, but it emerged in the United States in the 19th century as a flexible card for diverse games, with the name possibly linked to the idea of a joker or jester.

Historically, the term joker is connected to the broader figure of the jester or fool found in medieval and early modern courts. Jesters performed humor, satire, and storytelling, often using wit to comment on politics and society. The joker archetype emphasizes playfulness, improvisation, and the challenge of norms, and it has influenced later uses of “jokers” and “joking” in various cultural contexts.

In contemporary popular culture, The Joker is a prominent DC Comics supervillain and arch-enemy of Batman. Created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane, the character first appeared in Batman #1 in 1940. The Joker is typically depicted with a clown-like appearance and a fixation on chaos, though his portrayal varies across comics, films, and television. The character has become a widely recognized cultural symbol of anarchic theatrics and moral ambiguity.