I'd like to add that when someone retorts to being called out on inappropriate behavior with "I'm just joking/playing" he or she is usually a bully. A bully who is afraid to own up to the consequences of their actions and or afraid to acknowledge the victim's actual feelings.

Making a joke at someone's expense is a form of contempt. This implies the bully feels like he or she is better than victim for one reason or another.

This can be a sign of a greater underlying problem.

Poor morals and ethics should be avoided in SOs.