1.
banter; back-and-forth exchange; call-and-response
A rapid exchange of words, lines, or musical phrases between two parties—a comedy duo's banter, the call-and-response of a festival chant, or the give-and-take in a negotiation. Emphasizes rhythm and reaction more than the literal content of what is said.
Noun form of 掛け合う (to exchange back-and-forth). Used in entertainment, music, daily conversation, and even business contexts to describe lively two-way exchanges.
Common collocations
- テンポのよい掛け合い: well-paced banter
- 掛け合いの面白さ: the appeal of the banter
- 息の合った掛け合い: in-sync banter (the two parties are well-attuned)
- 歌の掛け合い: a call-and-response in song