'banter' originates from English, first recorded in the mid-17th century, though its ultimate origin is uncertain; it was used to mean light, playful talk or mockery.

'banter' originally referred to merry or light-hearted talk and to tease; the verb form 'banter' (to tease or exchange good-humored remarks) led to the present participle/adjective 'bantering' and the adverbial formation 'banteringly' by adding '-ing' + '-ly'.

Initially it meant 'to jest or mock lightly'; over time this core sense remained but expanded into derived forms such as the adverb 'banteringly', meaning 'in a teasing, playful manner'.