Quips

A "quip" is a clever, witty remark, often delivered offhandedly or spontaneously. It's usually intended to be humorous or sarcastic, often with a biting edge. A quip is distinct from a joke in that it's typically shorter, more immediate, and relies on wordplay or a sudden twist of perspective to create its comedic effect. quips can be used to deflate tension, express amusement, or subtly criticize, making them a versatile form of verbal expression. They are a quick-witted form of humor, employing brevity to its advantage.

Quips meaning with examples

• During the meeting, when the presentation took an unexpected turn, Sarah quipped, "Well, that's certainly one way to do it!" The audience chuckled, and the tension dissipated. Her light-hearted remark, quickly and cleverly stated, shifted the atmosphere and broke the silence. This quick response epitomized a well-placed quip. It made the situation more bearable for everyone involved.
• When the dog chewed his favorite slippers, Mark, sighing, said 'well, looks like I needed a reason to buy new ones'. He quipped to maintain a lightheartedness to the situation. The quick comment revealed his ability to see the funny side of things. He kept his cool and lightened the mood for himself and anyone watching.
• After tripping on the stairs, he looked up with a grin and quipped, "Gravity – still undefeated!" This quick observation, delivered with good humor, showed his quick wit. It was a clever one-liner that turned a potentially embarrassing moment into a moment of shared amusement, demonstrating his ability to laugh at himself, showcasing a great quip.
• The comedian, after stumbling on stage, quipped, "Well, at least I know I have your attention now!" The crowd roared with laughter. The quip successfully recovered the situation by pointing out the blunder with good humour. This was a perfect example of using a quick, insightful statement to handle a situation in a light-hearted fashion, which is an art form for the comedian.