English vocabulary · C1
Quip
/kwɪp/ · n., v.
Quip means a short thing someone says to make people smile. It comes quickly and adds fun to the moment.
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Example sentences
- She made a quip about the huge trophy.
- His quick quip made everyone laugh.
Word origin and roots
from Early Modern English
- quippy — witty saying (from Early Modern English)
Synonyms and nuances
- JOKE — something said to make people laugh (Made For Laughs)
- WISECRACK — a smart funny comment (Sharp And Funny)
- ONE-LINER — a joke in one short sentence (One Short Line)
Similar words
- joke
- wisecrack
- one-liner
Lesson notes
Quip means a short thing someone says to make people smile. It comes quickly and adds fun to the moment.
Related: joke, wisecrack, one-liner. Use quip when a short smart comment makes people laugh.
She made a quip about the huge trophy. His quick quip made everyone laugh.
From Early Modern English. Quippy means witty saying. Quippy was shortened to quip. A short word survived for a short remark.