kidding on the square 

joking, but also meaning it

kidding on the square by Anonymous November 9, 2003

Kidding on the Square 

I can see how you might think Al Franken had coined the expression if you had never heard it before, but it was an expression my mother when I was growing up -- and she died in 1984.

When Al picked up the tab for dinner he joked about me being a tightwad; I felt bad because I figured he was probably kidding on the square.

Kidding on the Square by PaulDee March 24, 2004

Kidding on the Square 

A Frankenism, meaning joking, but really meaning it.

Nick: Hey, Frank, how's the wife treatin' ya?
Frank: Fuck you, Nick.
Nick: Kidding on the square, Frank!

Kidding on the Square by Dorian Black June 21, 2005