It's "jest a joke" guys, or "just a jest", etc. Seems like it ought to be a good candidate for a song challenge: "I want to date your daughter"

sing to: "In The Garden Where The Praties Grow"

Dear Sir, I write this note to you to tell you of my hope.
I want to date your daughter but I'm not the bloomin Pope.
I'll treat her kind and gently, Sir, just like you did her Mom
But if you interfere, Dear Sir, you'll find I lack aplomb.

Next?