JK

What Does JK Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

The abbreviation JK means "Just Kidding."

More Detail...

JK is typically used at the end of provocative statement to render it void (i.e., by declaring it was just said in jest). If someone uses JK on you, you should bear the following old adage in mind: "Many a true word is said in jest." In other words, the caveat JK does not warrant automatic forgiveness for the speaker. JK often means "This is what I really think, but I don't want to fight about it." For example:

They really messed up your spray tan. Umpa lumpa doompadeedo. JK!
You're not invited to the party tomorrow, because nobody really likes you. JK!

Image for JK

When I write JK, I mean this:

Remember: "Many a true word is said in jest!"

Summary of Key Points

"Just Kidding" is, by far, the most common meaning for JK when it is used in a text. (Bear in mind that it could have another meaning if used in a different context.)

JK
Definition:	Just Kidding
Type:	Abbreviation and Acronym
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults, Teenagers, and Under 13s

An Academic Look at JK

The term JK is typically used as a standalone declarative sentence, the full meaning of which is "I am only joking." JK is both an initialism abbreviation, as it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., "Jay, Kay"), and an acronym, as it is spoken like a word (i.e., "Jaykay").