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.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

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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