chaffing
UK: ˈtʃæfɪŋ | US: ˈtʃæfɪŋ
vt. teasing or making fun of someone in a lighthearted way
n. good-natured ridicule or banter
The word "chaffing" derives from "chaff," originally referring to the husks of grains separated during threshing—symbolizing something trivial or worthless. By the 16th century, "chaff" metaphorically extended to mean lighthearted mockery, akin to tossing around insignificant remarks. The suffix "-ing" turns it into a verb or gerund, capturing the act of playful teasing. This evolution mirrors how agricultural terms often seed figurative meanings in English.
The teammates were chaffing each other after the game.
His chaffing remarks kept the mood light during the meeting.
She laughed off their chaffing about her cooking skills.
Friendly chaffing is common among close friends.
He joined in the chaffing, though he was the target.