Is this verbal abuse?

Yes, its verbal abuse. The sad thing is that this is a red falg to physical abuse. When he gets sick of verbally attacking you then he will strike out physically. Abusers start with verbal abuse to tear you down and make you feel worthless, and unloveable so that you will feel like no one else would want you and stay with him and take further abuse. There is nothing wrong with goofing around every once in awhile, you dont have to be serious all the time, you just need to do it around soemone who is supportive to you.