stream of banter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stream of banter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a continuous flow of light-hearted conversation or playful remarks between people. Example: "The party was lively, filled with a stream of banter that kept everyone entertained throughout the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

A stream of banter lubricated their play.

The New York Times

Later, as they pose for photographs, Arctic Monkeys keep up a steady stream of banter.

The Guardian - Music

One slashes strips of hessian from old sacks, another hammers nails, many hands are put to bandaging the bats in the sacking strips while some merely supply a stream of banter.

Independent

MR. VERDI keeps up a stream of banter as he examines corduroy bell-bottoms, retro flower print shirts, hip-hugger jeans ("Those are so rockin' and sexy") and velour pullovers.

The New York Times

Though they admittedly annoyed committee staff members who sat nearby with their steady stream of banter over their shared cubicle wall, they did not begin dating until late July 2007, when Mr. Vogel asked Ms. Rosengarten to join him for a Saturday afternoon drink and a movie.

The New York Times

Here's Everyone You're Going to Meet at Freshers Week This Year.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Not that there's anything wrong with the scenario from the sound of Ms. Hargitay, whose sparkling, stream-of-consciousness banter is enough to convince her audience that she planned it this way.

The New York Times

(Aware of this, perhaps, I did decide to go and see Phil Kay this year, and liked his show, although his lovable stream-of-consciousness banter is so unpredictable that it is all but impossible to review).

The Guardian

For five minutes, Johnson, wearing a blue helmet, hung suspended by a harness in mid-air, keeping up a stream of burbly banter and waving two little Union Jacks like help signals.

The New Yorker

Ah Lien (in Salford, she'd be called "Our Lynne") is a Teochew beauty who maintains a stream of chiding banter with the many male admirers who come to worship at her table.

The Guardian - Travel

The official cause of the failure was "loss of momentum". For five minutes, Johnson, wearing a blue helmet, hung suspended by a harness in mid-air, keeping up a stream of burbly banter and waving two little Union Jacks like help signals.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stream of banter", consider the context to ensure it aligns with the tone. It's most effective when describing light-hearted, friendly interactions. If the situation is serious or formal, a more restrained description might be appropriate.

Common error

Be mindful that while banter involves playful teasing, it should never cross the line into offensive or hurtful comments. Ensure the context and relationship support the use of "stream of banter" to avoid misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stream of banter" functions as a noun phrase describing a continuous flow of light-hearted and playful conversation. As Ludwig indicates, this expression is used to characterize an ongoing exchange of witty or humorous remarks between individuals.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stream of banter" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a continuous flow of light-hearted conversation or playful remarks. According to Ludwig, the phrase is predominantly found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral to informal register. While not a very frequent expression, it effectively conveys a sense of friendly and humorous interaction. When using this phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and avoids any potential for misinterpretation. Consider alternative phrases like "flow of jokes" or "torrent of quips" to further refine your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flow of jokes

Focuses on the humorous aspect of the exchange, highlighting the jesting nature.

torrent of quips

Emphasizes the rapid and witty nature of the conversation.

series of jokes

Highlights the constant and repetitive nature of the jokes.

constant joking

Emphasizes the continuous nature of playful exchange.

rapid fire jokes

Focuses on the pace and quick delivery of the humor.

continuous jesting

Highlights the ongoing playful attitude of the speakers.

succession of witticisms

Highlights the clever and humorous quality of the remarks.

steady flow of repartee

Highlights the exchange of witty remarks in conversation.

barrage of wisecracks

Emphasizes the intensity and volume of the witty comments.

onslaught of puns

Focuses specifically on the use of puns in the continuous exchange.

FAQs

How can I use "stream of banter" in a sentence?

You can use "stream of banter" to describe a continuous flow of light-hearted conversation or playful remarks, such as, "The comedians kept up a "stream of banter" that had the audience in stitches."

What phrases are similar to "stream of banter"?

Similar phrases include "flow of jokes", "torrent of quips", or "constant joking", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "stream of banter" appropriate for formal writing?

While "stream of banter" isn't inherently inappropriate for formal writing, it's more commonly found in informal contexts. Consider the audience and purpose of your writing to determine if a more formal phrase would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "stream of banter" and "heated debate"?

"Stream of banter" describes a light-hearted, playful exchange, while "heated debate" implies a more serious, potentially argumentative discussion. The key difference lies in the tone and intent of the conversation.