zinger
Americannoun
-
a quick, witty, or pointed remark or retort.
During the debate she made a couple of zingers that deflated the opposition.
-
a surprise, shock, or piece of electrifying news.
The president's resignation was a real zinger.
-
a person or thing that has vitality or animation or produces startling results.
Etymology
Origin of zinger
Explanation
A zinger is a sharp, funny remark that takes the listener by surprise. A zinger isn’t just a snappy comeback or insult, it’s a clever play on words. Dorothy Parker, an American writer (1893-1967), is queen of the zingers. Some favorites: “The first thing I do in the morning is brush my teeth and sharpen my tongue” and “Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone.” Zingers tend to be funny, and they're often quick, sharp, and even a little mean. Friends often trade zingers as they playfully make fun of each other. Zingers are also called quips or one-liners.
Vocabulary lists containing zinger
Comedy Lingo
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Abner and Me
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
All America wants is to see its new favorite TV personality, Zlatan, get one last zinger in at Alexi Lalas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 19, 2026
Also a little grim, and precisely the kind of zinger that would lead a person to think that maybe that sad uncle at the cookout is flying solo for a very good reason.
From Salon ● Jul. 3, 2026
But what viewers always focus on are the moments where one candidate has a zinger of a line, or somehow unnerves their opponent, or simply seems more in control.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2024
Hill, a five-time All-Pro considered the fastest player in the NFL, grinned and couldn’t help but add a zinger.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 13, 2024
And then I go for it, risking my worst talent with an improvised, final zinger: “It’s a tough thing to have a mom with a stomach ailment, when you barely have a dad at all.”
From "Better Nate Than Ever" by Tim Federle
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
