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banter

The origin and history of banter.

Etymology

First recorded in the 1670s (as a verb) and 1680s (as a noun). The exact origin is unclear — it may have started as London street slang, and some think it comes from an Irish phrase meaning "talk of women."

Origin: Irish · First attested 1670

Class of 1670

banter first entered the language around 1670. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1670 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.