quip

American  

[kwip] / kwɪp /

noun

1. a clever or witty remark or comment.

   Synonyms:

   witticism, joke

2. a sharp, sarcastic remark; a cutting jest.

   Synonyms:

   jape, sally, gibe

3. a quibble.

4. an odd or fantastic action or thing.

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verb (used without object)

quipped, quipping

1. to utter quips.

quip British  

/ kwɪp /

noun

1. a sarcastic or cutting remark; gibe

2. a witty or clever saying

   a merry quip

3. archaic another word for quibble

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verb

1. (intr) to make a quip

Other Word Forms

• quippish
  adjective
• quippishness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of quip

1525–35; back formation from quippy quip < Latin quippe indeed

Explanation

A quip — a short, witty comment — can be pleasant, wise, or sarcastic, but usually carries an element of humor. A quip is a witty or clever remark that sounds spur-of-the-moment. A successful quip must sound offhand, as though it were an afterthought, even if the speaker has been honing the statement for days. Dorothy Parker was a famous writer known for her quick quips, such as, "The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant — and let the air out of the tires."

Related Words

• banter
• gag
• gibe
• pleasantry
• pun
• repartee
• retort
• satire
• wisecrack
• witticism