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persiflage

persiflage

1 9.9
Light playful teasing talk that is not serious
  • noun
  • /ˌpərsəˈfläzh/
translation icon : persiflage
  • Posted by: persiflage December 21, 2009 9:35 PM

Examples

  • Yet the persiflage of Weber and his romantic style of practicing neurology is vicious and hostile.

    Academic text (2009)
  • The friends engaged in playful persiflage, teasing each other about their weekend plans.

  • Your persiflage does not amuse.

  • Is this a time for airy persiflage?

  • Posted by: persiflage December 21, 2009 9:34 PM

    Blog text (34)
  • They treated Avram like all commanders, with affectionate persiflage, but mostly forgot he was there.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • During dinner, their persiflage kept the atmosphere light and fun.

  • Her witty persiflage at the party made everyone laugh and feel relaxed.

Synonyms

jest
vspersiflage
23 4.2

A playful remark meant to make people laugh

is ongoing slight mockery in conversation rather than a single joke
pleasantry
vspersiflage
23 6.0

Friendly or funny remarks to make conversation pleasant

is slightly mocking rather than aiming simply for pleasantness
play
vspersiflage
  • Informal
21 1.7

Light, joking words said to make people laugh

is ongoing conversational teasing rather than isolated joking remarks
ribbing
vspersiflage
  • Informal
5 4.4

A friendly joke that tries to make someone laugh without hurting them

is mildly mocking rather than purely affectionate joking
friendly banter
vspersiflage
  • Informal
1 2.8

Light joking talk that makes people laugh and feel welcome

is slightly mocking rather than purely warm and kind
playful banter
vspersiflage
  • Informal
1 3.5

Friendly joking talk where people tease each other

is more slightly mocking in tone than simply light amusement
badinage
vspersiflage
  • Literature
1 9.9

Light playful talk that people use to make each other laugh

is slightly mocking rather than only witty or gentle
raillery
vspersiflage
1 8.8

Light teasing that is friendly and not meant to hurt

is slightly mocking rather than clearly friendly or affectionate
slagging
vspersiflage
  • Offensive
1 8.2

Teasing or insulting someone, often in a friendly way

is lighter and milder, using teasing rather than harsh criticism
snip-snap banter
vspersiflage
  • UK
9.0

A quick, funny talk where people tease each other playfully

is slightly mocking rather than only fast clever talk
playful bant
vspersiflage
  • Informal
7.9

Light joking talk between people to make each other laugh

is slightly mocking rather than simply harmless joking
light-hearted banter
vspersiflage
  • Informal
4.2

Playful friendly talk that makes people laugh without hurting anyone

is slightly mocking instead of only cheerful amusement

How Teasing

mockery
66 4.9
persiflage
1 9.9
raillery
1 8.8

Surface Forms

persiflage singular
persiflages plural

Etymology

Persiflage comes from the French verb persifler, linked to siffler which means 'to whistle'. Think of a quick, playful whistle that gently makes fun, so persiflage means 'light teasing' or 'playful banter'.