The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word TRICK
T
R
I
C
K
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "joke" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case joke = trick.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 TRICK mean?
TRICK noun- Something designed to fool or swindle.
- A single element of a magician's (or any variety entertainer's) act; a magic trick.
- An entertaining difficult physical action.
- An effective, clever or quick way of doing something.
- Mischievous or annoying behavior; a prank.
- A particular habit or manner; a peculiarity; a trait.
- A knot, braid, or plait of hair.
- A sequence in which each player plays a card and a winning play is determined.
- A sex act, chiefly one performed for payment; an act of prostitution.
- A customer to a prostitute.
- A daily period of work, especially in shift-based jobs.
- A sailor's spell of work at the helm, usually two hours long.
- A toy; a trifle; a plaything.
- To fool; to cause to believe something untrue; to deceive.
- To draw (as opposed to blazon - to describe in words).
- To dress; to decorate; to adorn fantastically; often followed by up, off, or out.
- Involving trickery or deception.
- Able to perform tricks.
- Defective or unreliable.
- Stylish or cool.