quip
Quick verbal jab
A quip is a witty or clever remark, typically brief and delivered quickly.
Quips tend toward the sarcastic or mildly cutting, though they can also be playful observations.
The verb quip means to make such remarks: She quipped that his new haircut made him look like a startled hedgehog.
Someone given to quipping might be called a quipster, though that term sounds a bit dated.
Flippant clever remark
- one-linerBrief standalone joke
- jestHumorous remark or act
- japeMocking trick or quip
- gagMouth restraint or jest
zinger · bon mot · witticism · punchline · crack · retort · comeback · riposte
Quick, clever conversation
- wordplayVerbal wit techniques
- badinagePlayful, teasing conversation
- railleryHumorous, affectionate teasing
- persiflageFlippant, teasing discourse
backchat · verbal sparring · exchange · chitchat · back-and-forth · crosstalk · teasing · ribbing
Showing mental quickness
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- quick-wittedFast at thinking
- smartMentally quick, or fashionable
- drollOddly humorous
witty · incisive · keen · brilliant · pithy · sardonic · dry · deadpan
Cutting, mocking commentary
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
- jeerVocal expression of scorn
- gibeScornful teasing remark
- put-downDisparaging remark
dig · needle · slight · cutting · biting · stinging · sarcastic · scathing
wisecrack
Flippant clever remark
gag · zinger · bon mot · witticism · punchline · crack · retort · comeback · riposte · pleasantry
repartee
Quick, clever conversation
- wordplayVerbal wit techniques
- badinagePlayful, teasing conversation
- railleryHumorous, affectionate teasing
persiflage · backchat · verbal sparring · exchange · chitchat · back-and-forth · crosstalk · teasing · ribbing · joshing
clever
Showing mental quickness
- sharpFine-edged, or astute
- quick-wittedFast at thinking
- smartMentally quick, or fashionable
droll · witty · incisive · keen · brilliant · pithy · sardonic · dry · deadpan · tongue-in-cheek
snark
Cutting, mocking commentary
put-down · dig · needle · slight · cutting · biting · stinging · sarcastic · scathing · caustic
observation
Attentive watching or remark
interjection · utterance · offhand · throwaway · passing · snappy · terse · brief · spontaneous · impromptu
quipmonologue
Uninterrupted solo address
dissertation · diatribe · tirade · lecture · sermon