bon-mot
A sharp witticism
A bon mot is a witty remark or clever saying—something memorable for its sharpness or elegance.
The French phrase (literally "good word") suggests verbal polish: She was known for her bon mots at dinner parties.
The plural is either bon mots or bons mots.
Pithy, memorable saying
- quipBrief, clever remark
- wisecrackFlippant clever remark
- one-linerBrief standalone joke
- zingerPointed witty remark
sally · riposte · retort · repartee · comeback · jest · aphorism · witticism
Concise instructive saying
- maximBrief moral principle
- dictumAuthoritative formal statement
- adageTraditional pithy truth
- sayingShort, wise expression
proverb · quotation · phrase · expression · coinage · neologism · locution · formulation
epigram
Pithy, memorable saying
zinger · sally · riposte · retort · repartee · comeback · jest · aphorism · witticism · barb
apothegm
Concise instructive saying
saying · proverb · quotation · phrase · expression · coinage · neologism · locution · formulation · phrasing
dinner-party
Formal meal with guests
- salonGrooming establishment or gathering
- conversationExchange of spoken ideas
- toastHeated bread; glass-raising honor
speech · anecdote · raconteur · sparkle · charm · sophistication · urbanity · eloquence · esprit · élan