badinage
UK: ˈbadɪnɑːʒ | US: ˌbædɪˈnɑːʒ
n. light, playful banter or teasing
The word "badinage" entered English in the mid-17th century from French, where badiner meant "to joke" or "to trifle." The root badin likely derives from Provençal badar ("to gape" or "to be idle"), hinting at playful, idle chatter. The suffix -age (from Latin -aticum) was commonly used in French to form nouns denoting actions or results, giving "badinage" its modern sense of lighthearted teasing.
Their conversation was filled with witty badinage, making everyone laugh.
She enjoyed the gentle badinage between the two old friends.
The meeting started with some light badinage before turning to serious matters.
His badinage often masked a deeper, more thoughtful personality.
The actors exchanged badinage effortlessly during the interview.