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

In this Sentence, he seems to affect I can't tell what Sort of Witticism, which I do not well understand.

From Colloquies of Erasmus, Volume I. by Erasmus, Desiderius

Related Words

• gibe
• wisecrack