Bantering: meaning, definitions and examples

Use 'bantering' when describing light-hearted, playful conversation where participants are teasing each other in a friendly manner.

• The group of friends were bantering back and forth, laughing at each other's silly stories

Use 'joking' for making light or humorous comments, typically not meant to be taken seriously.

• Sarah was just joking when she said she would quit her job to become a professional gamer

Use 'teasing' when someone is playfully provoking or making fun of another person. This can sometimes have a negative connotation if the person being teased feels hurt.

• He was teasing his little sister about her new haircut, but she took it too seriously and got upset

Use 'jesting' when someone is making jokes or speaking humorously, often in a witty or clever manner.

• During the office party, Jake was jesting about the boss’s funny habits, and everyone enjoyed his clever remarks

Used when engaging in playful, friendly, and often witty conversation. It is light-hearted and good-natured.

• They spent the afternoon bantering about their old school days.
• Their bantering always makes the meetings more enjoyable.

Commonly used in everyday situations when making light-hearted, funny or amusing remarks. It can be casual and is understood by a wide audience.

• He was joking about the time he got lost in his own neighborhood.
• Don't take him seriously; he's just joking.

Used when making fun of someone in a playful or sometimes slightly hurtful way. It can be friendly but might also carry a negative connotation if taken too far.

• They started teasing him about his new haircut.
• She enjoys teasing her brother about his crush.

Appropriate for humorous or playful remarks, often in a more formal or literary context. Jest can sometimes suggest a more elaborate or creative form of humor.

• He was jesting when he said he could run faster than a cheetah.
• Her jesting comments lightened the mood at the dinner table.