Quips

/kwɪps/ noun

Definition

Short, witty, clever remarks or jokes that are often humorous or sarcastic.

Etymology

Possibly from Latin 'quippiam' or similar roots meaning a witty remark; the word emerged in English in the 1500s-1600s referring to clever comebacks or jokes.

Kelly Says

Oscar Wilde made quips famous, but the ancient Romans had entire genres of sharp, witty insults—the 'bon mot' and the quip are timeless weapons in the hands of the clever, which is why comebacks have been valued across every culture.

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