banter

American  

[ban-ter] / ˈbæn tər /

noun

1. an exchange of light, playful, teasing remarks; good-natured raillery.

   Synonyms:

   persiflage, pleasantry, badinage

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verb (used with object)

1. to address with banter; chaff.

   Synonyms:

   mock, deride, ridicule, twit, tease

verb (used without object)

1. to use banter.

banter British  

/ ˈbæntə /

verb

1. to speak to or tease lightly or jokingly

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noun

1. light, teasing, or joking language or repartee

Other Word Forms

• banterer noun
• banteringly adverb
• outbanter verb (used with object)
• unbantering adjective
• unbanteringly adverb

Etymology

Origin of banter

First recorded in 1660–70; origin uncertain

Example Sentences

“I was just checking,” I say, pleased that we’re back to our usual Scrabble banter.

From Literature

I don't mind getting involved with the banter in the changing room and things like that.

From BBC

The Sun's Felicity Cross gave it five stars, saying that despite being "awkward", it was "endearing, and full of fun banter".

From BBC

The company argued that the pair were speaking “off-the-cuff” and that their conversation amounted to “banter not… facts of consequence.”

From Salon

Justin, the believer, is instantly alarmed by how these eerie tapes escalate from cute banter to ghostly crying babies and backward incantations.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• chitchat
• gossip
• repartee
• ribbing
• small talk