- Today's Word
Quippery
[ˈkwɪpəri]
Definition
- (adjective) The the art or tendency of making witty or clever remarks and observations, often in a light-hearted or humorous manner. It encapsulates the skill of delivering quips that are both amusing and insightful, showcasing verbal dexterity and a sharp mind.
Example
In the middle of a team meeting, when the discussion turned to the daunting task of reorganizing the entire office, Jake lightened the mood with a bit of quippery, saying, “Well, they say a change is as good as a rest, but I don’t remember resting this much last time we moved a desk!”
Fun Fact
The term “quip” comes from the Latin word “quippe,” which was often used sarcastically in Latin literature. It translates to “indeed” or “of course,” but its usage implied a level of irony or disbelief, setting the foundation for today’s playful and sarcastic quips.
(verb) To criticize someone or something severely and publicly, often with harsh or scathing language.
The columnist excoriated the company’s leadership for ignoring repeated safety warnings.
Excoriate comes from the Latin excoriare, meaning “to strip off the skin,” from ex- (“off”) and corium (“hide” or “skin”). While the word originally described physical abrasion, its meaning shifted metaphorically over time to describe verbal attacks so harsh they feel skin-deep, leaving nothing protected.