What does banter mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈbæntər/

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

Banter is a type of lighthearted, playful, and teasing conversation or exchange, often used to create a relaxed and humorous atmosphere, particularly in social or informal settings.

Examples

The friends engaged in a playful banter about their weekend adventures.
The comedian used banter to build a connection with the audience.

Synonyms

Humour
Lightheartedness
Dialogue

Antonyms

Bluntness
seriousness
Formality

Etymology

Originating from the English noun “banter” (late 16th century), derived from the Old French word “banterie”, meaning a jest or play, likely from the Latin “banneum”, a jest or a laugh. It has undergone a gradual evolution to encompass the concept of playful conversation.

Usage Notes

Use banter to create a relaxed atmosphere, especially in informal settings like social gatherings, comedy clubs, or online communities. Be mindful of cultural differences, as banter can be perceived differently across cultures.

Effective banter relies on a good understanding of the context, tone, and audience. Balance the playful tone with respect to avoid offense or hurt feelings.

Cultural References

Banter is a key element in many comedy films, TV shows, and stand-up routines. Movies like “The Hangover” and “Crazy Rich Asians” showcase banter between characters.

Internet memes and social media platforms have also popularized banter, with their fast-paced, informal nature aligning well with the playful and teasing nature of banter.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Several idioms and phrases incorporate the concept of banter:

Trade banter
Verbal sparring
Playful jabs
Witty repartee

Related Words or Phrases

Words and phrases closely related to banter include:

Humour
Lightheartedness
Dialogue
Conversational tone

Collocations

Common word combinations with banter include:

Good-natured banter
Playful banter
Witty banter
Light-hearted banter

Frequency of Use

Banter is a relatively common term in modern language, particularly in informal settings. It’s commonly used in social media, comedy, and everyday conversations.

Common Misspellings

Common misspellings of the word include:

Banter vs. Banter
banter vs. bantha