Joking

Spenser's sarcastic and joking remarks are often misinterpreted as signs of ambivalence and often taken too seriously.

Don't take me seriously. I'm only joking.

I am only joking.

Fred, behave, and I'm not joking, either.

I am in no mood for joking.

I'm very fond of joking.

Don't think I'm joking.

Joking aside, how are things going?

Joking aside, what are you trying to say?

Joking aside, what do you mean to do?

Twenty euros cover charge? You're joking me!

No low beatings and knockings about, no jokings and squeakings like your precious Punches, but always the same, with a constantly unchanging air of coldness and gentility[…]