silliness

[sil-ee-nis]

noun

1. the quality of lacking good sense; foolishness.

   The author pokes fun at herself and the general silliness of celebrity culture.

   Her blog cuts through the contradictions, misinformation, and downright silliness out there about naturopathy.

2. absurdity, ridiculousness, or irrationality.

   This “no-touch” policy occasionally devolves into silliness, as when a teacher hesitates to help a five-year-old zip up a jacket.

3. clownish, whimsical, or exaggerated humor and playfulness; unrestrained high spirits.

   Our sessions included a lot of chatter, laughter, and silliness—exactly what sitting around a table playing games with friends is all about.

Word History and Origins

Origin of silliness¹

silly ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Example Sentences

"It's a survival record – full of pain but also silliness."

Read more on BBC

The "silliness" of the formulation was "lightening the subject matter of this trial," he told Judge Cannon.

Read more on BBC

I think fun is an important thing to embody in what you do, that and some kind of silliness or fearlessness, that’s what turns people on, so I’m all for that.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Think anyone who believes that a childlike openness to play and silliness doesn’t have to be eradicated by maturity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There are metaphors if you go looking for them, specifically on having to live much of one’s life in the closet, but “Pirates Wanted” places a heavy emphasis on silliness too.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• absurdity 
• craziness 
• foolishness 
• goofiness www.thesaurus.com
• stupidity