raillery

[ rey-luh-ree ]

noun

, plural rail·ler·ies.

1. good-humored ridicule; banter.

   Synonyms: pleasantry, chaff, badinage

2. a bantering remark.

raillery

/ ˈreɪlərɪ /

noun

1. light-hearted satire or ridicule; banter
2. an example of this, esp a bantering remark

Word History and Origins

Origin of raillery¹

1645–55; < French raillerie, equivalent to Middle French raill ( er ) to rail ² + -erie -ery

Word History and Origins

Origin of raillery¹

C17: from French, from railler to tease, banter; see rail ²

Example Sentences

The first Shakespearean phrase I underlined during this period was “skirmish of wit,” about the raillery between Beatrice and Benedick, which inspired a lifelong expectation that romance must include snark.

From Washington Post

French’s evocation of place, a rural way of life and overall creepiness are superb, as is the dialogue, a festival of Irish raillery and repartee.

From Washington Post

The roguery and raillery are in place, and he has a pleasing way with a song, but his instincts for clowning undermine his suavity.

From Los Angeles Times

I saw their eyes bespeaking confusion at this raillery, sorrow to hear our liberator mocked thus, and anxiety at what His Lordship’s uncertainty might mean.

From Literature

Some of the raillery, while funny, feels like overkill.

From Los Angeles Times