witticism

[wit-uh-siz-uhm]

noun

1. a witty remark or sentence.

   Synonyms: wisecrack, sally, quip, jest, joke

witticism

/ ˈwɪtɪˌsɪzəm /

noun

1. a clever or witty remark

Word History and Origins

Origin of witticism¹

1645–55; derivative of witty, modeled on criticism

Word History and Origins

Origin of witticism¹

C17: from _witty ; coined by Dryden (1677) by analogy with criticism

Example Sentences

“Could an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?”

From Los Angeles Times

“How dare you, sir? Would an untalented man be able to compose the following satirical witticism?”

From Salon

The president appeared briefly baffled, and witticisms flowed for the next day or so on both sides of the Atlantic.

From Salon

The saying — believed to be a witticism about Parker’s own romantic foibles — has been used on the show in some form at least a dozen times since 1985, according to the fan-operated J! archive.

From Los Angeles Times

Incidentally, it’s not the first time the adage — believed to be a witticism about Parker’s own romantic foibles — has been used on the show.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• gibe 
• wisecrack