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quip

/kwɪp/
/kwɪp/
IPA guide

Other forms: quips; quipped; quipping

A quip — a short, witty comment — can be pleasant, wise, or sarcastic, but usually carries an element of humor.

A quip is a witty or clever remark that sounds spur-of-the-moment. A successful quip must sound offhand, as though it were an afterthought, even if the speaker has been honing the statement for days. Dorothy Parker was a famous writer known for her quick quips, such as, "The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant — and let the air out of the tires."

Definitions of quip
  1. noun
    a witty saying
    synonyms: epigram
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    type of:
    expression, locution, saying
    a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations
  2. noun
    witty remark
    synonyms: crack, sally, wisecrack
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    type of:
    comment, input, remark
    a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information
  3. verb
    make jokes or quips
    synonyms: gag
    see moresee less
    type of:
    jest, joke
    tell a joke; speak humorously
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