rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryreparteeWitty exchange
noun

repartee

rep-ar-TEE/ˌrepɑːrˈtiː/

Quick, witty conversation or exchange of remarks.

The two friends enjoy lively repartee over coffee.

Two women exchange quick, playful remarks across a small café table: the younger woman delivers an amused comeback while the older woman grins and readies her reply.
Etymology
reFrenchback
+partOld Frenchdivide; set out
+eeFrenchfeminine participial noun ending

“Back” and “set out” combined in a verb meaning “reply promptly.” Its noun named an answering thrust in fencing, an image carried into quick verbal counterblows and witty exchanges.

More examples

  • She answers his teasing with quick repartee.
  • The play depends on sparkling repartee between its leads.
  • He enjoys the friendly repartee of their weekly meetings.

Forms

repartee

Similar words

banter
Banter is playful talk; repartee emphasizes quick, clever replies.
wit
Wit is clever humor generally; repartee specifically involves answering another person quickly.