To play the fool or engage in foolish, playful behavior; to act silly or jest.
From Middle English daffen, possibly from Old Norse doff (to put on or off) or related to foolish behavior. The exact origin is debated among etymologists.
The word daff captures that British tradition of joking around and being silly—it's the kind of verb you'd find in old stories about foolish pranks and good-natured teasing.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.