“Banter banter banter”

A recent article written by Jamie Ross focused on the perception of ‘banter’, however it appeared that his whole idea of ‘banter’ was warped. Directly from the dictionary, ‘banter’ is: […]


A recent article written by Jamie Ross focused on the perception of ‘banter’, however it appeared that his whole idea of ‘banter’ was warped. Directly from the dictionary, ‘banter’ is: “good-humoured, playful conversation.” See? It is good humoured so surely cannot be something, “people who aren’t funny do instead of a joke,” can it?

The answer is of course, no. Banter is funny whether it is goading friends about sports or laughing at your best pal who is in the gutter after half a can of Tennents. Now the continuing theme here is competitiveness. Competitiveness, is both a key part of the male psyche and a healthy part. If we did not compete as a species, how would we ever improve? The aim to be better or even the best is the foundation of sport; and every major development of our culture. So why not have a laugh about it? There can only be two outcomes of anything competitive between two people, one wins whilst one loses, or there is a bore draw. Now, we can become bitter when we lose, throw the Monopoly board off the table and storm off, or we can respect the other person for their ‘ability’ and laugh it off; ‘take the banter’. I know which response I prefer.

The next point made by Jamie Ross was the association of banter with “wearing a t-shirt with a slogan which says something outrageous about sex,”…….and? We live in the 21st century, a place where sex is no longer a taboo subject; in fact we are encouraged to be open about it. For example “Spotted:” has had a very large response that has been nearly 100% positive; is that not banter? Making sexual puns about different degrees and/or Pikachu onesies I would certainly class as banter; harmless, good-humoured and playful.

To take part in ‘banter’, apparently you can only be a video gaming, sport obsessed jerk. Banter is for everyone. Inviting a few friends around to play FIFA and have a few beers whilst laughing and joking is a very pleasant experience; one Jamie should try. It is probably here, that the most ‘banter’ appears. A quiet surrounding where conversation just flows from topic to topic, no pressure, just laughs. Inevitably one person at any point will be laughed at for what they got up to at the weekend, or that comment which they made without engaging their brain. Not out of spite, but genuine good humour.

Mistakes should be laughed at, we all make them, and we all will continue to make them, but having your mates laugh at you for it means you learn from it a lot faster. What point about ‘banter’ is actually being made? Is it that humour should be filtered of any possible comments that can offend? I hope not. As long as jokes are in good taste and the intent is to be witty (and maybe even clever) then I feel there is no reason not to enjoy them. There is never an intention to offend; and when there is then that certainly is not ‘banter.’ Humour is the one thing we as a society have, that is out of the reach of political correctness gone mad. So long as there is no venom or spite, then the jokes should come across as good humoured and playful; and I’m glad that these are encompassed by ‘banter!’

There is no, “being an incorrigible wanker,” about it. Yes, a large part of banter involves winding up your friend about that time he was gullible, or those famous last words he spoke about, “that was the easiest exam I’ve ever sat,” before getting a four. Banter is about laughing with, not at. For the person on the receiving end look at yourself and laugh in the same way you would if the comment had been made at someone across the table from you.

Anyway, back to BBC gossip column