Zinger

A 'zinger' is a concise and witty remark, often delivered unexpectedly, that is intended to be humorous or impactful. It can be a clever one-liner, a sharp comeback, or a surprising observation that elicits laughter or makes a point. The effectiveness of a zinger relies on timing, delivery, and the element of surprise. It's designed to be memorable and thought-provoking, even if only for a moment. A well-executed zinger leaves a lasting impression and can shift the dynamics of a conversation.

Zinger meaning with examples

• During the debate, after his opponent made a particularly weak point, the candidate shot back with a perfect zinger: 'That's the kind of logic my cat uses when he wants a treat.' The crowd erupted in laughter, effectively silencing the opposition and highlighting the absurdity of the earlier statement.
• The comedian's stand-up routine was filled with zingers. 'My diet consists of pizza and denial,' he quipped, 'and so far, I'm managing quite well.' Each joke built upon the previous one, making the audience laugh from start to finish. The timing and delivery made for a memorable performance.
• In a heated argument, she delivered a zinger that shut down the conflict. 'You know,' she said calmly, 'sometimes silence speaks louder than your endless complaints.' The succinctness and impact of the remark left her opponent speechless, allowing them to both retreat.
• The marketing campaign relied on zingers. The billboards featured short, catchy phrases that highlighted the product's key benefits with a touch of humor. One read: 'Our coffee is so good, it should be illegal!' These short, clever slogans made the product memorable and encouraged purchases.