Persiflages

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An exercise in light, often mocking conversation or writing that pokes fun at a subject in a playful manner
2. A series of lighthearted and humorous exchanges or remarks that might include gentle sarcasm or ridicule
3. Characterizing a playful form of jest or banter, usually aimed at trivializing a serious topic through witty commentary

Etymology: The plural of "persiflage," a noun for light, teasing talk or writing that gently mocks its subject. English borrowed the singular from French, where "persiflage" comes from "persifler," meaning to banter or mock. That verb is built from "per-" and "siffler," "to whistle," so its literal sense is closer to whistling at someone, much as an audience hisses a performer it dislikes. The plural is rare because the noun is normally used as a mass noun, but it appears when writers mean separate instances of such teasing.