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pleasantry

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The definition of a pleasantry is a polite social remark made as part of general conversation, or a little joke.

(noun)

When you and your neighbor stand and chat politely and make little jokes for a while as you both get the paper, this is an example of when you exchange pleasantries.

See pleasantry in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. pleasantries

the quality or state of being pleasant, or playful, in conversation; jocularity
1. a humorous remark or action; joke
2. a polite social remark: to exchange pleasantries

Origin: Fr plaisanterie

See pleasantry in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. pleas·ant·ries

A humorous remark or act; a jest.
A polite social utterance; a civility: exchanged pleasantries before getting down to business.
A good-humored or playful manner in conversation or social relations.

Origin:

Origin: French plaisanterie

Origin: , from Old French plesanterie

Origin: , from plaisant, pleasant; see pleasant

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