zinger

Sharp verbal jab

A zinger is a quick, sharp remark—often witty, often cutting.

It lands with impact, whether as a joke's punchline, a clever comeback, or a pointed criticism: She delivered a zinger that silenced the whole table.

In casual use, zinger can also mean anything surprising or striking: The report's final paragraph contained a real zinger.

insult

burn

Damage by heat

roast · takedown · jab · barb · dig · cutting remark · sick burn · shade · snark · sting

retort

comeback

Recovery after decline

rebuttal · counter · reply · response · repartee · backtalk · counterattack · answer · rebuff · counterpunch

wit

quip

Brief, clever remark

witticism · clever remark · wordplay · pun · double entendre · sharp tongue · quick wit · repartee · sally · crack

humor

punchline

Humor's final delivery

  • jokeHumorous statement seeking laughter
  • gagMouth restraint or jest
  • laugh lineCrease from repeated smiling

kicker · payoff · topper · callback · rim shot · applause line · crowd-pleaser · showstopper · knee-slapper

Categories
Opposites
impact and sharpness

zingerdud

Failed device or effort

flop · platitude · banality · bromide · fizzle

wit and cleverness

zingergroaner

Joke inducing sighs

cliché · bromide · truism · platitude · banality

conversational tone

zingerpleasantry

Agreeable conversational remark

compliment · sweet nothing · warm greeting · olive branch · flattery

Phrases
Family

zing, zings, zinged, zinging, zingy, zingers

Familiarity
Top 100,000
Profile
Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G