Boutade

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A sudden and often witty expression of feeling or thought can serve as a brief, playful outburst that reflects spontaneity and whimsy
2. An unexpected and lively display of emotion or idea can appear as a humorous or satirical moment, showcasing a burst of creativity
3. A brief, clever or cutting comment meant to grab attention ; an abrupt and spontaneous expression of feeling or behavior

Etymology: "Boutade" came into English from French, where it means a sudden, witty outburst, and its French ancestor is "bouter", meaning "to thrust" or "to push". That verb is the same one that gives English "butt", as in butting heads or a goat's butt, so the word's root idea is a sudden shove or jab. A boutade is, in a sense, a verbal thrust: an idea or remark that bursts out unexpectedly rather than being carefully built up. The French sense carried that suddenness over into wit. A boutade is a flash of humour or a sharp, impulsive quip, often delivered with a bit of flair, which is why the English word has stayed a literary term for a witty, spontaneous outburst rather than a plain outburst of temper.

Synonyms: witticism, quip, joke, jest, repartee