zinger

[ zing-er ]

/ ˈzɪŋ ər /

Save This Word!

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.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

Origin of zinger

First recorded in 1950–55; zing + -er¹

If you wanted to serve Menu A, you could put a scoreboard in the center of the table so that guests could keep track of who delivered the best zingers throughout the meal.
How to Have Fun With That Relative Whose Opinions You Can't Stand This Thanksgiving|Jonathan Haidt|November 24, 2021|Time
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