banter

[ban-ter]

noun

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

   Synonyms: persiflage, pleasantry, badinage

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

/ ˈbæntə /

verb

1. to speak to or tease lightly or jokingly

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of banter¹

First recorded in 1660–70; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of banter¹

C17: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Playing outlaws on the run, cornered men whose time had passed, bickering and bantering like an old married couple who can’t imagine a life without each other, they’re perfect together.

From Los Angeles Times

Law enforcement sources have told CBS News that Robinson and his friends bantered about the shooting prior to his arrest in a group chat on Discord involving more than 20 people.

From BBC

It is similar to the nonstop banter between their duo in “Poetic License,” which has its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival tonight.

From Los Angeles Times

He also struggled in The Hundred, where it was evident he was getting big send-offs from the opposition and receiving banter about being England's 'Golden Boy', which was unkind.

From BBC

Their smiles and laughter suggest it was a bit of banter, but might they be on to something?

From BBC

Related Words

• chitchat 
• gossip 
• repartee 
• ribbing 
• small talk