Final answer:
The term 'staccato' is the correct answer as it describes playing notes in a detached, sharp manner, which creates short, clipped musical phrases that can give a teasing quality to the piece of music.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term 'staccato' refers to playing notes in a detached, separated manner with each note sharply distinguished from the others. This creates a teasing, playful effect in music by using short, clipped phrases. On the contrary, 'legato' indicates smooth and connected notes. 'Crescendo' is a gradual increase in loudness, and 'diminuendo', also known as decrescendo, involves a gradual decrease in loudness. So, 'teasing'' nature by short, clipped phrases' is best described by option a) Staccato.