epigram
noun

- a concise, witty, and often paradoxical saying.

- a short, clever saying or poem that expresses an idea in an amusing way.

- short saying or poem that expresses an idea in a smart or funny manner.

Merriam-Webster, Oxford English Dictionary, Cambridge Dictionary

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WORD ORIGIN



The word traces back to the Greek epigramma, meaning "inscription," from epi- ("upon") and graphein ("to write"). Originally, ancient Greeks carved brief verses onto monuments and tombstones. These inscriptions served as concise tributes to the deceased.

The Romans, particularly the poet Martial in the first century CE, transformed epigrams from solemn memorial verses into sharp, witty social commentary. Martial wrote over 1,500 epigrams that criticised Roman society with biting humour.

By the 15th century, English writers adopted the form for poetry that delivered pointed observations in just a few lines. The meaning expanded in the late 18th century to include any brief, clever saying—whether in verse or prose.

Today, we use "epigram" for any memorable quip that makes us think twice.

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LESS IS MORE!

Few words can leave a lasting impression. Epigrams are about brevity, wit, and sudden insight. It might be a short poem, a sharp observation, or an unexpected metaphor – yet it lingers. Its power lies in distilling an idea into its smallest, most telling form.

Because life is moving so quickly, observations that cut through the noise are invaluable. Using epigrams – in speech, writing or everyday conversation – gives us a way to summarise a thought with clarity and wit.

In short: epigrams reminds us that to communicate big ideas,… less is more!

Here are some classics:

“If you tell the truth, you don’t have to remember anything.” (Mark Twain)

“Some cause happiness wherever they go; others whenever they go.” (Oscar Wilde)

“If you can’t be a good example, you’ll just have to be a horrible warning.” (Catherine the Great)

“Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain — and most fools do.” (Benjamin Franklin)

“Twitter is just graffiti with punctuation.” (Chris Brogan)

"A smartphone makes every fool a photographer." (Anonymous)

"Tech evolves fast; wisdom lags behind." (Anonymous)

Helga & Paul Smith

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“What is an epigram? A dwarfish whole; Its body brevity, and wit its soul.” (Samuel Taylor Coleridge)


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SYNONYMS


adage, aphorism, apothegm, barb, bon mot, clever saying, clincher, EPIGRAM, epigrammatic remark, funny, gag, jibe, joke, maxim, one-liner, pithy comment (saying), proverb, quip, saw, saying, sententia, short and sharp observation, smart remark, witty remark, witticism, “in a nutshell” statement

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SMUGGLE
 OWAD into a conversation today, say something like:

“I love Chris Brogan’s EPIGRAM, ‘Twitter is just graffiti with punctuation.’ ”

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P L E A S E   S U P P O R T   O W A D