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Meaning & use

witty saying

noun·Everyday

Last updated

UK/ˌwɪti ˈseɪɪŋ/
US/ˌwɪti ˈseɪɪŋ/

Meanings

  1. nouncountable

    A short, clever remark or sentence that is funny and shows intelligence.

    Grammar: Countable: use 'a witty saying' or the plural 'witty sayings'.

    Patterns

    • a witty saying about something
    • a witty saying from someone

    The book is full of witty sayings about money.

    He ended his speech with a witty saying that made everyone laugh.

    Her grandmother was famous for witty sayings.

  2. nouncountable

    A well-known short sentence that is clever and amusing, often repeated.

    Grammar: Often used for famous lines from writers, comedians or public figures.

    Patterns

    • a witty saying by someone
    • a witty saying that ...

    That witty saying is often attributed to Mark Twain.

    The poster had a witty saying in large letters.

Word forms

pluralwitty sayings

Common combinations

a witty saying about life
He posted a witty saying about life on his wall.
a famous witty saying
That is a famous witty saying from an old play.
come up with a witty saying
She can come up with a witty saying at any moment.
quote a witty saying
The teacher quoted a witty saying to start the lesson.

Synonyms and how they differ

quip
A quip is usually a quick, clever reply in conversation, while a witty saying can be a written or repeated line.
witticism
More formal and a little literary; it often refers to a clever remark rather than a well-known saying.
one-liner
Informal; it means a short joke or funny comment, often from a comedian.
epigram
Formal and literary; it means a short, clever statement, often with a serious point underneath.

Word family

wit noun
The ability to say clever and funny things.
wittily adverb
In a clever and funny way.
wittiness noun
The quality of being clever and funny in what you say.
saying noun
A short well-known sentence that gives advice or a general truth.

Commonly confused: witty saying or proverb? witty saying or adage?

witty saying vs proverb

A proverb is a traditional saying that gives advice, such as 'Look before you leap'; it is not necessarily funny or clever.

witty saying vs adage

An adage is an old, well-known saying that people accept as true; a witty saying is more about humor and cleverness.

Practice

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