The art of good conversation is a skill that some people are better at than others. It’s so valuable that it deserves a special word; use “badinage” for the excellent rapport you have with your best friend or your favorite work colleague. This word comes from the French word “badiner,” meaning “to joke,” which came from “badin,” meaning “the fool.” But “badinage” doesn’t mean you’re playing the joker. Carrying on a successful badinage means you’re paying attention to what’s going on and bantering back-and-forth with a quick-witted repartee.