Banter
Meaning
Playful, teasing conversation exchanged between people who know each other well.
हिंदी मेंएक-दूसरे को अच्छी तरह जानने वाले लोगों के बीच किया जाने वाला चंचल, चुहलबाज़ी भरा वार्तालाप।
How this word actually lands
“Banter” is a particularly important British workplace word because knowing the dictionary definition does not tell you when it is socially safe to use. It usually describes light teasing or joking between people who already have enough familiarity for that humour to work. The difficult part is the relationship. A joke that feels friendly between two colleagues can sound insulting when directed at someone who has just joined the team. It can also become uncomfortable when there is a strong difference in seniority. I would be especially careful about starting banter with someone you do not know well. You can participate once you understand the group's tone, but nobody expects a new colleague to prove their confidence by making jokes immediately.
Example Sentences
“There's always friendly banter between the two teams.”
दोनों टीमों के बीच हमेशा दोस्ताना नोकझोंक होती रहती है।
“The colleagues exchanged some banter before the meeting.”
सहकर्मियों ने बैठक से पहले थोड़ी हल्की-फुल्की नोकझोंक की।
⚠ Common Mistake
Meant to be light-hearted between people comfortable with each other — can easily be misread as rude with strangers.
Good to Know
- Synonyms
- teasing, ribbing
- Countable
- uncountable
Written and reviewed by Maninder Thind · Last updated 3 September 2026
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