"to make fun of, to banter," 1845, American English; according to "Dictionary of American Slang," the earliest example is capitalized, hence it is probably from the familiar version of the proper name Joshua, but just which Joshua, or why, is long forgotten. Perhaps it was taken as a typical name of an old farmer. The word was in use earlier than the career of U.S. humorist Josh Billings, pseudonym of Henry Wheeler Shaw (1818-1885), who did not begin to write and lecture until 1860; but his popularity after 1869 may have influence that of the word.
About the most originality that any writer can hope to achieve honestly is to steal with good judgment. ["Josh Billings"]
Related: Joshed; joshing.
双语例句
1. Josh expects me to manage all the household expenses on very little.
乔希指望我对每笔家庭支出都精打细算。
来自柯林斯例句
2. I wouldn't be that hard on him, Josh.
我不能那样苛责他, 乔希.
来自辞典例句
3. Come on, Josh, you don't expect me to buy what you said just now.
行啦, 乔希, 你别指望我会相信你刚才说的话.
来自辞典例句
4. Ward, Josh Billings , and a host of others have survived only in scattered shards of humour.
沃德 、 比林斯和许多别的作家能够留传下来的只是些幽默的残章断简.
来自辞典例句
5. Did you hear Josh Friedman got engaged to a chef?