It's passive. It's the facade of a deeper want or observation that you're not expressing directly.
It puts the burden on the listener and requires mind reading - "is she being serious? Or is this a joke?".
I would contend that the mental health issue stems from when the speaker gets offended that the listener can't mind-read. "WHAT? Why would you take that seriously? I was just joking!"
If you're looking to get a point across, it's the worst means imaginable.
It puts the burden on the listener and requires mind reading - "is she being serious? Or is this a joke?".
I would contend that the mental health issue stems from when the speaker gets offended that the listener can't mind-read. "WHAT? Why would you take that seriously? I was just joking!"
If you're looking to get a point across, it's the worst means imaginable.
Say it plainly. Say it directly.