To ask if someone that constantly jokes..

[energywavering]

...does it as a defence mechanism?

I'm talking about my BIL, who's just had a baby with my DSis.
If I ask her a question about anything and everything, he pipes in with a joke. If I ask him a direct question, he jokes and you never get the actual answer..
AIBU I'm thinking he's actually trying to hide the true him?

Whatever the reason is, I'd find that pretty irritating! There's a time and place for joking

It's attention seeking. It's generally a cover for emotionally stunted people. More importantly, it's interfering with her ability to respond, which could be part of a much larger issue.

I have a perfectly lovely friend that does this but I just redirect to his wife as she rolls her eyes.

I joked more when I was depressed. Its a weird defence thing so I seemed fine because then nobody would ask me how I was and I was afraid that I wouldn't be able to tell them I was fine because that was a lie. I'm ASD so find lying difficult, although I mask pretty well which is ironic.

My BiL does this and he is an arsehole. You literally CANNOT have a serious conversation with him as everything is a quip.

One of my best friends also does this at times and she has said she just can't handle bad news so will make jokes. She made awful jokes after I miscarried a much wanted baby. Just awful. I have forgiven her now that I can understand it.

So it could be a number of things, none of them good really.

I'm currently working with a man who continually says things that aren't true and thinks they're funny. I just don't understand why. It's a largely female workplace and some of the things he says are quite inappropriate and sexual. Most people laugh it off but I find it horrible - it's like being back in the 70s again when innuendo was treated as a bit of banter.

I have a good sense of humour, but just don't get why he seems to think he's funny.

This guy can't seem to get a permanent job - I wonder why