zinger

/ˈzɪŋə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [zˈɪŋɚ] /ˈzɪŋər/ (ame, ipa) · [zˈɪŋɚ] /ˈziŋ-ər How to pronounce zinger (audio)/ (ame, mw)

zinger — noun

  • zingersingular
  • zingersplural

1. An informal word for a short, clever, and often amusing remark — especially one

1.名詞C1
釋義

An informal word for a short, clever, and often amusing remark — especially one delivered as a quick reply during a conversation or debate, often with a slightly cutting or pointed quality.

例句

Andrei delivered a zinger during the debate that left the audience in stunned silence.

collocation: deliver a zinger

While Cole droned on, Mira landed a zinger that made everyone at the table laugh.

zinger as a sharp interruption

同義詞
  • quip

    similar informality, but often shorter and less cutting

  • witticism

    more formal and less common; focuses on the cleverness rather than the pointedness

  • retort

    specifically a reply, but not necessarily witty or humorous

  • comeback

    informal; specifically a reply after being challenged or teased

反義詞
  • platitude

    a boring, unoriginal statement — the opposite of a clever remark

文法句型

a + zinger

zinger + about + topic

deliver/land + a + zinger

用法筆記

Common in informal conversation, especially in contexts involving arguments, debates, or humorous exchanges between friends. Avoid using in formal or academic writing.

常見錯誤

❌He told a zinger at the party' (if it was just a random joke).
✅He fired off a zinger during the argument.
💡A zinger is a witty and often pointed reply, not just any funny story or joke.