witticism

[wit-uh-siz-uhm]

noun

1. a witty remark or sentence.

   Synonyms: wisecrack, sally, quip, jest, joke

witticism

/ ˈwɪtɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a clever or witty remark

Word History and Origins

Origin of witticism¹

1645–55; derivative of witty, modeled on criticism

Word History and Origins

Origin of witticism¹

C17: from _witty ; coined by Dryden (1677) by analogy with criticism

Example Sentences

“Could an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?”

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“How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?”

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The president appeared briefly baffled, and witticisms flowed for the next day or so on both sides of the Atlantic.

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The saying — believed to be a witticism about Parker’s own romantic foibles — has been used on the show in some form at least a dozen times since 1985, according to the fan-operated J! archive.

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Incidentally, it’s not the first time the adage — believed to be a witticism about Parker’s own romantic foibles — has been used on the show.

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Related Words

• gibe 
• wisecrack