Definition

Noun: * Light, playful, or witty conversation; good-natured teasing or banter. It refers to a style of talking that is humorous and not serious, often involving clever remarks exchanged between people in a friendly manner.

Usage

"Badinage" is used to describe a specific type of social interaction. It is a formal or literary term for what might more commonly be called playful banter, witty repartee, or good-humored teasing. It implies intelligence and a lack of malice.

Examples

• The dinner party was filled with lively badinage between the old friends.
• She enjoyed their clever badinage, which made the long meeting much more pleasant.
• Their relationship was characterized by constant affectionate badinage.

Advanced Usage

• "To engage in badinage": To participate in playful, witty conversation.
  • The two politicians engaged in some light badinage before the serious debate began.

Variants and Related Words

• Badiner (verb, French origin): The French verb from which "badinage" is derived, meaning to joke or jest.

Synonyms

• Banter
• Repartee
• Raillery
• Persiflage
• Jest

Antonyms

• Serious conversation
• Solemn discourse
• Earnest discussion

Noun

1. frivolous banter