rhizoverbBeta
DictionarymotClever saying
noun

mot

MOH/ˌem əʊ ˈtiː/

A clever or memorable word or saying.

Her latest mot makes everyone at the dinner table laugh.

A witty dinner guest makes a short clever remark with a playful expression, companions break into delighted laughter, no speech bubble or writing.
Etymology
motLatingrunt, murmur

Latin mutum meant 'a grunt' or 'a murmur'; this developed into 'a word' and then a short remark. English mot specializes that meaning in a brief, forceful or witty saying.

More examples

  • He ends his toast with a well-chosen mot.
  • The essay is full of sharp mots about city life.
  • I remember her parting mot better than the entire speech.

Forms

mot · mots

Similar words

quip
A quick, witty remark, often made in response.
witticism
Specifically a humorous, clever remark rather than merely a memorable one.
aphorism
A concise statement of general truth, not necessarily humorous.