Badiner

/ˌbæd.ɪˈneɪ/ noun

Definition

A person who engages in badinage; someone skilled at witty, playful banter.

Etymology

From French 'badiner' (to joke or tease) plus the agent suffix '-er,' creating 'badineur.' English borrowed this directly from French.

Kelly Says

A badiner is essentially a professional wit—in the 18th century, being a clever conversationalist was literally a marketable social skill that could elevate your status in high society.

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