Bantering: meaning, definitions and examples

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bantering

[ˈbæntərɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

casual conversation

To exchange light, playful, teasing remarks in a friendly or humorous way.

Synonyms

jesting, joking, teasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bantering	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
joking	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
teasing	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
jesting	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

Examples of usage

They were bantering back and forth, making each other laugh.
I enjoy bantering with my friends during our lunch breaks.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

casual conversation

The playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.

Synonyms

jesting, joking, teasing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
bantering	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.
joking	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.
teasing	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.
jesting	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.

Examples of usage

Their bantering added a light-hearted atmosphere to the gathering.
I appreciate the bantering that goes on in our group of friends.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the early 17th century, derived from the French word 'banter', which means to jest.
Originally, 'banter' referred to a light or playful conversation, showing the playful nature of the word.
It was first popularized in English literature in the 1660s, indicating a lively social interaction.

Literature

Bantering dialogue is common in plays by Shakespeare, where characters often engage in witty repartee.
Jane Austen used banter to highlight relationships, especially in conversations between romantic interests.
Contemporary novels often use bantering style to develop characters and show chemistry between them.

Psychology

Engaging in banter can strengthen social bonds, as it often reflects comfort and familiarity between individuals.
Psychological studies suggest that humor in conversation, including banter, can improve mood and increase feelings of connection.
It can also be a social tool for reducing tension and diffusing conflicts in conversations.

Pop Culture

Television shows like 'Friends' and 'The Office' often feature characters who use banter as a main form of communication.
Comedy duos, such as Abbott and Costello, are known for their fast-paced bantering style that keeps audiences laughing.
In rap music, banter is used in the form of clever wordplay and punchlines, showcasing artistic wit.

Social Etiquette

Engaging in banter is generally seen as a sign of social intelligence, showing one’s ability to read the room.
While playful, it is crucial to be aware of the other person's feelings to ensure the banter remains friendly and light-hearted.
Banter is often used to break the ice in new social settings, making conversations more approachable.

Translations

Translations of the word "bantering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 brincadeira

🇮🇳 मज़ाक

🇩🇪 Neckerei

🇮🇩 bercanda

🇺🇦 жартування

🇵🇱 żartowanie

🇯🇵 冗談

🇫🇷 plaisanterie

🇪🇸 broma

🇹🇷 şaka

🇰🇷 농담

🇸🇦 مزاح

🇨🇿 škádlení

🇸🇰 žartovanie

🇨🇳 玩笑

🇸🇮 šaljenje

🇮🇸 grín

🇰🇿 әзіл

🇬🇪 ხუმრობა

🇦🇿 zarafat

🇲🇽 broma

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,946 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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30943 carborundum
30944 spineless
30945 neutrally
30946 bantering
30947 buttoning
30948 savoured
30949 apprehensively
...