zinger

[ zing-er ]

noun

, Informal.

1. a quick, witty, or pointed remark or retort:

   During the debate she made a couple of zingers that deflated the opposition.

2. a surprise, shock, or piece of electrifying news:

   The president's resignation was a real zinger.

3. a person or thing that has vitality or animation or produces startling results.

Word History and Origins

Origin of zinger¹

First recorded in 1950–55; zing + -er ¹

Example Sentences

“It unarms you, It lulls you into this false sense of security, just for a moment, before they hit you with the zinger!”

From Los Angeles Times

Leave it to Canadians to kick off an awards show with pleasant zingers.

From Los Angeles Times

But what viewers always focus on are the moments where one candidate has a zinger of a line, or somehow unnerves their opponent, or simply seems more in control.

From BBC

He drew from the first speech he gave in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earlier this month after being chosen as Kamala Harris's running mate, repurposing some of the same zingers.

From BBC

The line sent the United Center crowd into a frenzy, but it wasn’t Obama’s only zinger.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• clowning
• gag
• one-liner
• prank
• quip
• witticism