Definition

Noun: 1. Light, good-natured teasing or banter; frivolous or flippant talk or writing. Persiflage refers to a style of conversation or writing that is humorous, witty, and gently mocking, but not intended to cause serious offense. It is characterized by its playful and superficial nature.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The dinner party was filled with witty persiflage and laughter.
  • His speech was not a serious critique but a piece of light persiflage aimed at his colleagues.
  • The article was a delightful persiflage on the latest fashion trends.

Advanced Usage

• As a conversational style: Persiflage is often used to describe the tone of sophisticated social interaction where humor and clever remarks are exchanged.
  • Their relationship was built on a foundation of affectionate persiflage.

Variants and Related Words

• Persifleur (noun, rare): A person who engages in persiflage; a banterer.
  • He was known in literary circles as a masterful persifleur.

Synonyms

• Banter
• Raillery
• Badinage
• Repartee
• Jest

Related Idioms or Phrases

• A tone of persiflage: Describes a manner of speaking or writing that is consistently light and teasing.
  • He adopted a tone of persiflage to deflect the serious question.

Noun

1. light teasing