Word for saying something knowing it's not true

I was just talking on the phone to my old boss who was on his way in to my work to fill out paperwork he needs to sort. I asked him, "Would you like me to put the kettle on?", to which he said, "You no longer need to toady to me" (joking of course). I laughed and said, "Sure, you know that I never did".

He's convinced that there is one word to describe this kind of thing. But neither one of us can think of what it is.

Any ideas?

Solution 1:

You might be looking for the word "facetious".

fa·ce·tious
adjective
1. not meant to be taken seriously or literally: a facetious remark.
2. amusing; humorous.
3. lacking serious intent; concerned with something nonessential, amusing, or frivolous: a facetious person.

from reference.com

Solution 2:

As J.R. says, one could describe OP's offer to put the kettle on as sarcasm, but generally that word has significant negative overtones, so I don't really think it's suitable in this context.

OP is simply indulging in banter - addressing his boss in a witty and teasing manner. He's being waggish, whimsical, wisecracking, etc. - there'll be hundreds of similar words and expressions.

But if someone said to OP (after he put the phone down) "Why did you say you'll put the kettle on? We don't even have a kettle in this office!", I think the most likely response would be...

"I was only joking."

Solution 3:

I would suggest leg-pull - your boss was just pulling your leg while knowing well that there was no kettle.

Leg-pull

"A good-humoured hoax, bluff or practical joke" (Chambers)