half-joking

British  

adjective

1. said, done, or acting in a seemingly jokey manner, but with some serious intent

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Other Word Forms

• half-jokingly adverb

Example Sentences

Shannon warned me, only half-joking, “Don’t fall for your building super.”

From Los Angeles Times

He was only half-joking when he said some parents have been “brainwashed” by right-wing TV news and Oklahoma leaders’ talk of liberal indoctrination to think the district is teaching kids to be gay or converting Christian kids into atheists.

From Salon

I am only half-joking when I say I am not going to back anyone to score against them in the league for the rest of the season, because it is their ability to keep clean sheets that will help them win the title.

From BBC

“Now she wants to be Kris Jenner — she wants to be the momager,” Tonatiuh says, only half-joking.

From Los Angeles Times

The City manager may have been half-joking - with the words accompanied by a huge smile and laugh - but 20-year-old O'Reilly has certainly added to his growing reputation.

From BBC