witticism

American  

[wit-uh-siz-uhm] / ˈwɪt əˌsɪz əm /

noun

1. a witty remark or sentence.

   Synonyms:

   wisecrack, sally, quip, jest, joke

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witticism British  

/ ˈwɪtɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a clever or witty remark

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Etymology

Origin of witticism

1645–55; derivative of witty, modeled on criticism

Explanation

Witticism describes something funny that someone says, like a pun or little joke. You may have heard that it is good to start off a speech with witticism because if you make the audience laugh, it'll help them — and you — relax. English playwright and poet John Dryden coined the word witticism in the 17th century, combining the words witty and criticism to come up with a word to describe a clever quip that has a hint of sharpness or irony. A witticism is typically a one-liner that humorously sums up the current situation — with a little bit of attitude thrown in.

Example Sentences

Not to be outdone by the album’s soaring musical ambience, Styles’ lyrics never disappoint, blending his penchant for witticism with pop-culture philosophy.

From Salon • Mar. 6, 2026

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.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2024

The samples offered are purple and banal, hardly living up to Gabriel García Márquez’s witticism about similar fabrications.

From New York Times • Feb. 6, 2024

“It’s a witticism, which is fine as a witticism,” Muñoz Machado told Spanish news agency EFE.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 26, 2023

Here it became apparent that Mr. Pilkington was about to spring some carefully prepared witticism on the company, but for a moment he was too overcome by amusement to be able to utter it.

From "Animal Farm: A Fairy Story" by George Orwell

Related Words

• gibe
• wisecrack