zinger

Everyday

1. (informal) A zinger is a quick, clever and funny remark, often a sharp joke at someone. tree →
2. (informal) A zinger can also be something surprising or striking, like a zinger of a question. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday talk and comedy it names a witty one-liner. In stories it shows a sharp, funny character. Phrases: deliver a zinger, a real zinger.

Examples

• Grandma came back with a real zinger that made everyone laugh. tree →
• The comedian had a zinger for every heckler. tree →
• The quiz ended with a zinger of a question. tree →
• He thought of the perfect zinger an hour too late. tree →
• A good zinger is funny without being cruel. tree →
• Her speech ended with a zinger. tree →

Note

Informal, mainly American but understood everywhere. Countable. A zinger at someone can hurt; be kind.