Ripostas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Quick and clever replies made in response to an insult or criticism; the act of returning a thrust or strike in fencing; a rapid counterattack or retort intended to turn the situation to one's advantage
2. Witty and sharp answers delivered promptly after being challenged verbally; a fencing move involving an immediate follow-up attack after parrying; a swift verbal or physical comeback aimed at regaining initiative
3. Prompt, intelligent rejoinders given to deflect or counter an opponent's remark; the fencing technique of striking after defending an opponent's blade; a fast and strategic response designed to neutralize or reverse an adversary's action

Etymology: Italian "risposta" meant "answer," and it came from "rispondere," "to respond," which goes back to Latin "respondere" with the same sense. The fencing meaning is the surprising part. A riposte was originally the counter-thrust a fencer made immediately after parrying an opponent's attack, so the answer was physical before it was verbal. French took the word as "riposte," and English borrowed it from there, keeping both senses. "Ripostas" is the English -s plural of "riposta," an Italian-style spelling of the same word that is used alongside "riposte."

Synonyms: retorts, replies, responses, counterattacks, rejoinders

Antonyms: questions, inquiries, queries