Crossword Genius

Joke is quiet and offensive (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

prank

'joke' is the definition.
('prank' can be a synonym of 'joke')

'quiet and offensive' is the wordplay.
'quiet' becomes 'p' (music symbol for 'piano').
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'offensive' becomes 'rank' ('rank' can be similar in meaning to 'offensive'**).
'p'+'rank'='PRANK'

'is' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for prank that I've seen before include "High-spirited mischief" , "Jape" , "Mischievous trick" , "Mischievous act done for fun and amusement" , "Practical joke or trick" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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