A witty saying or unexpected turn in conversation; a sudden outburst or whimsy.
From French 'boutade,' possibly related to 'bouter' (to thrust or push) or 'bout' (end), suggesting an abrupt movement or sudden thought that breaks through.
The word captures something very French—those sudden witty remarks that seem to appear from nowhere and delight in their unexpectedness, making it a favorite term in European literary circles.
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