- 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.
(adjective) Tending to cry easily or frequently; having a mournful or tearful quality that evokes sadness.
The lachrymose eulogy left barely a dry eye in the room, not because it was maudlin but because every word of it was simply and devastatingly true.
Lachrymose derives from the Latin lacrima, meaning “tear,” which itself traces back to the Greek dakryma. The same root gives us lachrymal — the medical term for the tear ducts and glands responsible for producing tears — making lachrymose one of the rare words that bridges everyday emotion and clinical anatomy in a single syllable. It entered English in the 17th century, used initially in literary and poetic contexts to describe writing or music with an overwhelming quality of sadness.