zinger

[zing-er]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zinger¹

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

Example Sentences

But the real problem with Gutfeld’s comedy is that he tries to offer zingers to versions of reality he has entirely fabricated, like his crack about math being what happens to other people.

From Salon

They also land good zingers about what Gen Z considers passé.

From Los Angeles Times

In the first four episodes made available for review, Wednesday’s zingers aren’t as wickedly sharp as they once were.

From Los Angeles Times

One of his zingers repeated by The Washington Post was, ”Well I guess the question now is, ‘What did the President know, and when did he decide he didn’t know it?'”

From Salon

The audience can decide where that zinger lands on the spectrum between sincere and sarcastic.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clowning www.thesaurus.com
• gag 
• one-liner 
• prank 
• quip 
• witticism