witticism
Sharp humorous comment
A witticism is a clever or humorous remark, typically one that demonstrates verbal dexterity or insight: He was known for his witticisms at dinner parties.
The word carries a slightly formal or literary tone—in casual speech, people more often say "joke" or "quip." A witticism aims to be clever first, funny second.
Brief, clever remark
- zingerPointed witty remark
- wisecrackFlippant clever remark
- crackNarrow break or attempt
- bon motClever, memorable remark
gag · jape · jest · barb · gibe · epigram · aphorism · maxim
Quick, clever conversation
- retortQuick, cutting reply
- riposteSwift clever reply
- comebackRecovery after decline
- sallySudden outward attack
banter · badinage · raillery · persiflage · exchange · rejoinder · parry · thrust
Meaning opposite to words
- sarcasmIrony used to mock
- parodySatirical imitation
- lampoonHarsh public mockery
- mockeryScornful ridicule or travesty
caricature · spoof · ridicule · burlesque · sardonic · send-up · travesty · pastiche
Wordplay using double meanings
- double entendrePhrase with hidden lewdness
- paronomasiaRhetorical use of puns
- play on wordsExploiting linguistic ambiguity humorously
- innuendoOblique disparaging remark
quip
Brief, clever remark
bon mot · gag · jape · jest · barb · gibe · epigram · aphorism · maxim · pithy
repartee
Quick, clever conversation
sally · banter · badinage · raillery · persiflage · exchange · rejoinder · parry · thrust · wordplay
irony
Meaning opposite to words
mockery · caricature · spoof · ridicule · burlesque · sardonic · send-up · travesty · pastiche · social commentary
pun
Wordplay using double meanings
- double entendrePhrase with hidden lewdness
- paronomasiaRhetorical use of puns
- play on wordsExploiting linguistic ambiguity humorously
droll
Oddly humorous
wry · facetious · tongue-in-cheek · playful · whimsical · irreverent · impish · waggish · puckish · jocular
ingenious
Cleverly original in design
keen · astute · shrewd · adroit · perspicacious · deft · razor-sharp · agile · smart
- brevitybrevity, concise, succinct, terse, pithy
- comedy writingjoke, jokes, comedy, satire, parody
- expressionsexpression, I love you, phrase, idioms, thank you
- jokesjokes, joke, puns, one-liners, pun
- phrasesnoun phrases, noun phrase, verb phrase, prepositional phrase, prepositional phrases
- remarksremark, comment, statement, observation, note