banter
n. uncountablen. friendly and humorous conversation between people who know each other well. You use it when two people make light jokes at each other's expense.
n. lighthearted, witty, and mutually good-natured verbal exchange. Typically implies a relationship of familiarity or equality between the speakers.
They shared a quick banter before starting work.
The team's daily banter helps reduce stress during the busy holiday season.
Their sharp banter masked a deep mutual respect, turning potential conflicts into playful exchanges that strengthened their professional bond.
1670s as verb, 1680s as noun. The origin is unknown, possibly from London street slang; ostensibly as *bant + -er (frequentative suffix). Possibly an Anglo-Gaelicism from the Irish bean (“woman”), so that "banter" means "talk of women."