one-liner
noun - informal

- a joke or a clever and funny remark or answer that is usually one sentence long

Cambridge Advanced Learner’s Dictionary

—
ORIGIN

The phrase “one-liner” began life in the 19th century when journalists were paid by the line, a practice which encouraged flowery and exaggerated language.

—
EXAMPLES

Nowadays, we use the term “one-liner” to describe a short, amusing or ironic remark, such as:

- We are born naked, wet and hungry. Then things get worse.

- “Very funny, Scotty. Now beam down my clothes.”

- It’s a day for firm decisions! Or is it?

- But I forgot all about the Amnesia Conference!!

- Confucius say: I didn’t say that!

- Confucius say: Those who quote me are fools.

- Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?

- Drink wet cement, and get completely stoned.

- Everyone has photographic memory… some don’t have film!

- Did you hear about the man who lost his whole left side? He’s all right now.

- Always proofread carefully to see if you any words out.

—
SYNONYMS

funny remark, double entendre, quip, nonsensicalness, ONE-LINER, wordplay, play on words, rib-tickler, leg-pulling

—
SMUGGLE OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“Hey, do you know the ONE-LINER slogan from Berlin’s waste management company? ‘We kehr for you’.”

—
HERZLICHEN DANK to all readers helping me keep OWAD alive with single or monthly donations at:

https://donorbox.org/please-become-a-friend-of-owad-3

Paul Smith