Witticism

Definitions

a witty remark; a bon mot; an epigram; a zinger.

Equivalents

Examples

“"Take⟳ any shape⟳ but that!" is what I always feel⟳ tempted to exclaim when dulness attempts a joke; striving to pervert some poor innocent and ill-used word from its lawful meaning till it ceases to have⟳ any at all—worrying some unfortunate idea till, like⟳ the hunted hare, it is worried to death—dealing in witticisms whose edge has long since been worn off by constant use⟳; and truly to the many, witticisms not only require⟳ to be explained, like⟳ riddles, but are also like⟳ new shoes, which people require⟳ to wear⟳ many times before they get⟳ accustomed to them.”

“Shock⟳ of the witticism is a powerful one; while mere fun will have⟳ no power over them if it jar on their moral taste⟳.”

“While the occasional wry witticism seeps through, overall Shipler is painfully conscientious about trying to offer⟳ both sides of any debate⟳.”

CEFR level