I. ˈkwip noun
( -s )
Etymology: earlier quippy, perhaps from Latin quippe indeed, to be sure (often ironical), from quid what, anything, something — more at quid
1.
a. : a clever usually taunting remark : gibe
a political candidate getting off quips at his rival's expense
b. : a witty or funny observation or response usually made on the spur of the moment
the quips and puns of poor comedians
2. : quibble , equivocation
3. : something strange, droll, curious, or eccentric : oddity
Synonyms: see joke
II. verb
( quipped ; quipped ; quipping ; quips )
intransitive verb
: to make quips : gibe — often used with at
quipping at people making critical remarks
transitive verb
: to jest or gibe at : assail with quips