zinger

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/ˈzɪŋɡər/
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A striking, often humorous remark, and by extension any lively or impressive item, as well as a fast, powerful baseball pitch.
Practice using this word in conversation

Examples

  • The pitcher threw a fast zinger that struck the batter.
  • That was a classic zinger, a hard line drive.
  • The campaign turned out to be a marketing zinger.
  • The new album is a zinger, every track grabs attention.
  • The crowd roared when the zinger whizzed by.

Similar words

pepper
fastball
highlight
blockbuster
crowd-pleaser
witticism
blazer
standout
screwball
one-liner

Meanings

Witty, pointed remark

noun
everyday
informal
A sharp, funny comment that catches the listener off guard.

Usage

Use zinger for a clever or cutting remark that stands out for its humor or sting.

Examples

  • His speech was full of zingers that left the audience laughing.
  • She delivered a perfect zinger during the debate.
  • The comedian’s set included several sharp zingers.
  • I couldn't resist replying with a quick zinger.
  • The article's headline was a real zinger.
  • Even the boss appreciated his clever zinger.

Common mistakes

Typical errors when using zinger for a witty remark
IncorrectCorrect
He told a zinger about the weather. He told a zinger about the politician's policies.
She zingers at the meeting. She delivered a zinger at the meeting.
The movie was a zinger. The movie had a zinger scene.
I need to zinger the report. I need to add a zinger to the report.

Similar words

quip
jibe
retort
one-liner
gag
witticism
bon mot
sally

Lively, impressive item

noun
entertainment
neutral
Anything that stands out for its energy, originality, or striking impact.

Usage

Use zinger for a piece of music, advertisement, dish, or performance that grabs attention with its vigor or originality.

Examples

  • The new album is a zinger, every track grabs attention.
  • That advertisement is a total zinger, it really stands out.
  • The chef’s signature dish is a culinary zinger.
  • Her performance was a zinger, full of energy.
  • The campaign turned out to be a marketing zinger.
  • The fireworks display was a real zinger.

Common mistakes

Common misuse of zinger for anything merely good
IncorrectCorrect
The quiet book is a zinger. The lively book is a zinger.
He called the car a zinger. He called the sports car a zinger.
She used a zinger to fix the leak. She used a zinger tool to fix the leak.
The soup was a zinger. The soup had a zinger flavor.

Similar words

hit
showstopper
standout
sensation
blockbuster
masterpiece
highlight
crowd-pleaser

Hard, fast baseball pitch or hit

noun
sports
technical
A fast, powerful baseball pitch that hits the batter, or a hard-hit ball that travels quickly.

Usage

Use zinger for a swift, forceful pitch or a hard-hit ball that makes a strong impression on the field.

Examples

  • The pitcher threw a fast zinger that struck the batter.
  • He hit a zinger that sent the ball over the fence.
  • The crowd roared when the zinger whizzed by.
  • That was a classic zinger, a hard line drive.
  • The umpire called a zinger a foul ball.
  • She was known for delivering a devastating zinger.

Common mistakes

Typical errors when applying zinger to baseball actions
IncorrectCorrect
The batter threw a zinger. The pitcher threw a zinger.
He hit a zinger with his bat. He hit a zinger.
The umpire called a zinger a strike. The umpire called the zinger a foul.
She caught a zinger in the outfield. She caught the zinger.

Similar words

fastball
heater
screwball
rocket
blazer
cannon
pepper
fireball

Usage

Choose zinger for a clever, sharp comment, a standout piece of media or product, or a hard, fast baseball pitch.

Common mistakes

Using zinger for any ordinary joke or mild comment, rather than a sharp or striking one, is a mistake.

Etymology

From zing + -er, modeled on the verb meaning to make a sharp, lively sound; first recorded in the 1970s.

FAQ

What does zinger mean in everyday speech?

It refers to a sharp, witty remark that catches people off guard.

Can zinger be used as a verb?

No, zinger is only used as a noun; using it as a verb is a common error.

Is a zinger always funny?

It is usually humorous, but it can also be cutting or sarcastic rather than purely funny.

What is a zinger in baseball?

A fast, hard pitch that hits the batter or a hard-hit ball that travels quickly.

How did the word zinger originate?

It comes from the verb zing plus the suffix -er, first appearing in the 1970s as slang for a sharp comment.

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