Banter with care: Banter is the playful exchange of teasing remarks.
Banter is the playful and friendly exchange of teasing remarks.
Credit: Oxford Dictionary
I love gentle banter; it is a beautiful, fun form of conversation. It is very English, but most cultures indulge in it. Not everyone “gets it”, and some people quickly take offense. Not everyone is good at it or enjoys it. I can only think of a few close friends with whom I can readily banter.
Bantering is fine if it is mutually understood and is not used as an excuse to harass or bully people.
If you are not familiar with banter, watch the two videos below. British politicians in Prime Minister’s Question Time have turned it into an art form, which can be hilarious at times, though far from gentle.
Banter in the British House Of CommonsIt can also be used as a more subtle form of flirting, as in this video clip, though I would not recommend putting a stranger’s mobile phone in their coffee!
A lovely example of banter as a form of flirting comes from the movie The Adjustment Bureau with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt.Banter is an art form – a conversational game. It requires a degree of skill and sensitivity. The fact that you are bantering needs to be understood by both parties. Played sensitively, banter can help build and strengthen relationships. It played poorly; it can be destructive. Play it with care.
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Things Todo
- Try gently bantering with people a little more but be careful as not everyone understands or enjoys it.
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