The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word CHUCKLING
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More clues leading to the result CHUCKLING
Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Reaction to Joker" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case reaction to joker = chuckling.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does CHUCKLING mean?
CHUCKLING verb- To laugh quietly or inwardly.
- To communicate through chuckling.
- To make the sound of a chicken; to cluck.
- To call together, or call to follow, as a hen calls her chickens; to cluck.
- To fondle; to indulge or pamper.
- (gerund of chuckle) An instance in which someone chuckles