zinger

[ zing-er ]

/ ˈzɪŋ ər /

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noun Informal.

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.

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On the farm, the feed for chicks is significantly different from the roosters’; ______ not even comparable.

Origin of zinger

First recorded in 1950–55; zing + -er¹

You can arguably pluck out some zingers tailor-made for quick swipes on a service like TikTok, but Stewart seems more invested in relishing the full 44 minutes of each episode.
Jon Stewart’s new Apple TV+ series: Old man yells at cloud—but it hits the spot|Sam Machkovech|September 30, 2021|Ars Technica
Last week’s winner, Steve Smith, ended up in second place with his zinger of a Dan Snyder joke — so he wins the prize he donated, the 1968 “Republicans for McCarthy” button.
Style Conversational Week 1419: A smile for the Capitol?|Pat Myers|January 14, 2021|Washington Post
Last week, delivering a zinger-filled commencement speech at Princeton, Bernanke seemed to be toying with the obsessives.
Bernanke Hints at Fed Exit, but Don’t Expect Big Name to Succeed Him|Daniel Gross|June 6, 2013|DAILY BEAST
It was another storm-related zinger for the New Jersey governor!
El Bloombito, Chris Christie’s Bromance & More Hurricane Sandy Viral Videos|The Daily Beast Video|November 3, 2012|DAILY BEAST

Silly biographical tidbits aside, later in the debate, arguably the most memorable zinger was delivered by President Obama.
‘Horses and Bayonets,’ ‘Clear Eyes,’ and ‘Battleships’ at Final Romney-Obama Debate|Marlow Stern|October 23, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Romney must have been anticipating the sentimental gesture, though, because it prompted his first zinger of the night.
WATCH VIDEO: Best Moments From the First Presidential Debate|Jake Heller, Ben Teitelbaum|October 4, 2012|DAILY BEAST
The Mandarin zinger at Mitt Romney in New Hampshire produced a collective, “Huh?”
Jon Huntsman's Campaign Killed By Terminal Dullness|Patricia Murphy|January 16, 2012|DAILY BEAST
Any koot zinger can zing a peautiful zong and kif bleasure, I zubboce!
Trilby|George Du Maurier