persiflage

/ˈpɜː.sɪ.flɑːʒ/

Etymology

From French persiflage, from persifler (“to quiz, tease, mock”), from per- + siffler (“to whistle”), from Latin sībilō (“whistle”).

Why this word is great

PERSIFLAGE — [Noun] Light, good-natured banter or teasing, often with a playful or mocking tone. From French persiflage, from persifler ("to banter, tease"), from per- (intensive prefix) + siffler ("to whistle"), from Latin sībilō ("whistle"). Unlike "sarcasm" (which aims to wound) or "raillery" (which roars with gusto), persiflage is the art of mockery with a feather’s touch. It is the raised eyebrow over champagne flutes, the exaggerated compliment delivered with a smirk, the perfectly timed pause before a deadpan quip—a social dance where everyone knows the steps, and no one leaves bruised. The whistle fades, but the air stays light.

noun

  1. Good-natured banter; raillery.“After the third strike he returned to the bench to face the inevitable persiflage from his teammates.”
  2. Frivolous, lighthearted discussion of a topic.“Polite dinner calls for persiflage rather than in-depth possibly offensive discussion.”