badinage

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "badinage" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to light, playful conversation or banter, often in a humorous context. Example: "Their badinage during the meeting lightened the mood and made everyone feel more comfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cardboard's opener sees Sommer discussing the finer points of gaming with Modern Family star Ty Burrell, and the pair's easy badinage does a good job of masking the fact that a podcast about board games is a pretty daft idea.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But the then-Exeter City captain Coles suffered a particularly bad case of microblogging madness, when responding to a bit of badinage from a teenage fan ("I just thought it was a bit of banter") with a blunt exhortation to "fuck off cunt".

The Guardian - Sport

Mr King blames this on the atmosphere that Roger cultivated: "For all our regular customers who visited the shop expecting to engage in badinage, there was a larger number who, having in their eyes been humiliated, decided never to return".

The Economist

Even tamer badinage in this country can, to a foreign ear, sound like enmity.

The Economist

The patrol stops from time to time as its leader, a fresh-faced corporal from Chicago, engages passers-by, via Dave, the newly coiffed interpreter from Baghdad, in amiably stilted badinage.

The Economist

Rice was renowned for an act that included singing, dancing, witty badinage with the audience, feats of strength, trick riding, and exhibitions of trained wild animals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was left to Stevie Wonder to bring things back from the brink, closing the festival with singalongs, saucy badinage and neverending hits, beginning with Michael Jackson tribute 'Break of Dawn' andhis own classic 'If you really love me'.

Independent

The badinage between the three heavies (Liam Cunningham, David Wilmot and Mark Strong) can feel routinely facetious.

Independent

It is either unfunny badinage or – more likely –  leery aggression.

Independent

The Independent on Sunday found it to be "as sterile as a second-string US network sitcom with laboured badinage and plasticky cheer".

Independent

Still?" While Trevorrow's characters might lack the self-aware badinage seen in a Whedon production, the director is more interested in paying tribute to Spielberg.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "badinage" to add a touch of sophistication to your writing when describing playful and witty conversation, especially in literary or historical contexts. Be mindful of its slightly formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "badinage" when a simpler term like "banter" suffices. "Badinage" implies a level of sophistication and wit that might be inappropriate in informal or casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "badinage" is as a noun, referring to playful and witty conversation or banter. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used in literary and journalistic contexts to describe lighthearted exchanges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "badinage" is a grammatically correct and frequently used term denoting playful and witty conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. It is often used to describe sophisticated and lighthearted exchanges, adding a touch of elegance to the writing. While "banter" is a common alternative, "badinage" implies a more refined and intellectual form of playful conversation. While not incorrect to use in most contexts, it's best reserved for describing conversation with a heightened sense of wit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

banter

A lighter, more common term for playful and friendly exchange.

repartee

Emphasizes quick, witty, and often combative exchanges.

witty exchange

Highlights the clever and humorous nature of the conversation.

playful banter

Explicitly denotes the lighthearted and amusing quality of the interaction.

joshing

Implies good-natured teasing or joking.

jesting

Focuses on the humorous or mocking intent.

teasing

Suggests playful provocation or mild mockery.

ribbing

Involves friendly taunts or light criticism.

jocularity

Refers to a state or quality of being jovial or full of joking.

persiflage

Suggests a frivolous or slightly contemptuous manner of joking.

FAQs

How to use "badinage" in a sentence?

"Badinage" typically refers to light, playful conversation or banter. For example, "The play was filled with witty "badinage" between the characters."

What can I say instead of "badinage"?

You can use alternatives like "banter", "repartee", or "witty exchange depending on the context".

Is "badinage" a formal word?

Yes, "badinage" is considered a more formal and sophisticated term for playful and witty conversation. It is less common in everyday speech compared to words like "banter".

What is the difference between "badinage" and "teasing"?

"Badinage" implies a light and witty exchange, while "teasing" can involve playful provocation or mild mockery. "Badinage" focuses on the cleverness of the conversation, while "teasing" emphasizes the playful intent to provoke or amuse.