Bander

/ˈbændər/ verb

Definition

To banter, joke, or exchange witty remarks; to engage in playful verbal sparring.

Etymology

From Middle English, possibly from Old French bander meaning 'to tease' or 'to banter,' with unclear ultimate origins. May relate to band in the sense of 'to unite in mockery.'

Kelly Says

Shakespeare and his contemporaries used 'bander' constantly—it was the Elizabethan version of witty roasting, and knowing the word makes you sound like you actually read old books!

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