banter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "banter" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe playful and friendly conversation or teasing between people. Example: "Their banter during lunch always lightens the mood in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And everyone knows that the only thing that can even come close to matching a decade-old repeat of Top Gear in terms of witty banter is a dank polling booth set up in an abandoned church hall on a drizzly Thursday afternoon".

The Guardian

When the subject arrived, Jane engaged in light banter, a kind of verbal screen which hid her as she scanned the face in front of her.

The Guardian - Arts

In a high-dependency ward where the "banter was of the highest quality", Roach was watched around the clock.

The Guardian

Listener emails, nonsense rhymes, the occasional double entendre and a bit of comedy banter with the newsreader?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The League Managers Association stepped up in August to comment on Malky Mackay's "gay snake", "fkn chinky" and "fat Jew" texts, issuing the year's defining press release phrase: "These were two text messages sent in private at a time Malky felt under great pressure and when he was letting off steam to a friend, during some friendly text message banter".

The Guardian - Sport

That dodgy office banter you had over an email with a colleague?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"There's some friendly banter between us but I think this time could finally be ours.

The Guardian - Sport

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

Is it childish and immature or just a harmless bit of "banter"?

The Guardian

Anybody famous?" TV's Martin Brundle, who will be back on the grid at this weekend's Monaco Grand Prix, may wish to forget his visit in 1999 to the principality,: trading awkward banter with Frank Bruno, having his life made difficult by a surprisingly playful Ron Dennis and finally being terminally tampered with by Gerhard Berger.

The Guardian - Sport

Palace's Jason Puncheon strolled up to the spot at Spurs in January, 48 hours after tempting/goading fate with some Twitter banter aimed at Norwich's Bradley Johnson: "Do you want me to give you some penalty lessons??" He sliced, skied and shanked it.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogue, use "banter" to show rapport and camaraderie between characters. This can add depth and realism to their interactions.

Common error

Avoid using "banter" to describe conversations that are actually hostile, discriminatory, or excessively critical. "Banter" should always be good-natured and consensual.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "banter" is as a noun, referring to playful and friendly exchange of remarks. It can also function as a verb, describing the act of engaging in such conversation. Ludwig AI confirms its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "banter" is a commonly used term to describe playful and friendly conversation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally used in informal or neutral contexts and serves to foster camaraderie. While it is grammatically correct, it is crucial to use it appropriately, ensuring the exchange remains good-natured and consensual. Alternatives include "playful conversation" or "friendly teasing", depending on the nuance you wish to convey. Using "banter" correctly can enhance communication and build stronger relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playful conversation

Focuses on the light-hearted and amicable nature of the exchange.

friendly teasing

Highlights the gentle and non-offensive nature of the teasing.

good-natured ribbing

Emphasizes the light-hearted and humorous intent behind the teasing.

witty exchange

Focuses on the clever and humorous nature of the conversation.

jovial repartee

Implies a quick and lively exchange of witty remarks.

humorous badinage

Emphasizes the playful and teasing nature of the conversation.

light-hearted chitchat

Focuses on the casual and informal nature of the conversation.

spirited back-and-forth

Highlights the energy and enthusiasm in the exchange.

teasing remarks

Emphasizes the teasing and playful aspect of the communication.

jocularity

Highlights the humor and cheerfulness.

FAQs

How can I use "banter" in a sentence?

"Banter" is used to describe light-hearted and friendly conversation. For example, "There was a lot of friendly banter during the meeting."

What's a good alternative to "banter"?

Depending on the context, you could use "playful conversation", "friendly teasing", or "witty exchange" as alternatives to "banter".

What does "banter" usually imply?

"Banter" typically implies a light-hearted, playful exchange, often involving gentle teasing or witty remarks, creating a friendly and enjoyable atmosphere.

How is "banter" different from an argument?

"Banter" is friendly and playful, aimed at amusement and connection. An argument involves disagreement and contention, often with the goal of proving a point or winning a dispute.