repartee
Say it: rep-uh-TEE /ˌrɛpɑːˈtiː/ · noun
What “repartee” means
Quick, clever replies traded back and forth.
More precisely: Quick, witty replies in conversation; skilful verbal back-and-forth.
Example: “The best part of their dates is the repartee — neither ever lets a line go unanswered.”
When to use it
Use it when two people keep answering each other with witty remarks; it often suggests admiration for their verbal skill.
Similar words
banter, badinage, wordplay
Where it comes from
From French repartie, 'replied promptly', from repartir 'to set out again'.
Quick check
At dinner, every witty comment you make gets an equally clever answer, and you reply straight back. That's…
repartee or a monologue?
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repartee
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