zinger

American  

[zing-er] / ˈzɪŋ ər /

noun

Informal.

1. a quick, witty, or pointed remark or retort.

   During the debate she made a couple of zingers that deflated the opposition.

2. a surprise, shock, or piece of electrifying news.

   The president's resignation was a real zinger.

3. a person or thing that has vitality or animation or produces startling results.

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Etymology

Origin of zinger

First recorded in 1950–55; zing + -er ¹

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.

Example Sentences

Nelson Peltz, two years removed from fighting for board seats at Walt Disney DIS 0.15%increase; green up pointing triangle , threw a fresh zinger at Bob Iger and his CEO succession plan on Tuesday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026

Another forehand zinger on his first match point clinched victory and a second-round meeting with either France's Gael Monfils or Bolivia's Hugo Dellien on Thursday.

From BBC • May 27, 2025

Fittingly, the humor bobs and weaves, setting up punchlines only to pivot to a zinger.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 24, 2024

He arrived at the next debate prepared with a now-famous zinger.

From Salon • Sep. 18, 2023

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

Related Words

• clowning
• gag
• one-liner
• prank
• quip
• witticism