What does boutade mean?
Boutade is a literary noun meaning a witty, teasing, or humorous remark, especially a quip delivered with deftness or mild irreverence. In modern English, it is most often found in criticism, literary discussion, and descriptions of socially elegant conversation. The word suggests something quicker and more pointed than a generic joke: a compact verbal gesture that amuses, teases, or punctures pretension. Boutade can be used approvingly of a memorable line, as in praise of a witty remark, or more neutrally to characterize a playful jab. It is not common in casual speech, and its French origin gives it a formal, sophisticated tone. Although the word remains largely literary rather than productive, it is useful when a writer wants to distinguish a bright, pointed remark from an extended anecdote or a merely amusing observation.
nounA witty or teasing remark; a quip. The word is now chiefly used in literary and formal contexts for a pointed expression of humour.
- A witty, teasing, or humorous remark; a quip.
"Her reply was a mischievous boutade that left the entire table laughing."
"The critic responded with a brilliant boutade about the fashions of the previous century."
"Her opening boutade was bold enough to capture the audience's attention immediately."
The standard plural is boutades, though the word itself is uncommon.
"The essayist's collection of sharp boutades delighted its readers."
A boutade is a quick turn of wit: a single remark designed to amuse, tease, or make a sharper point than a straightforward joke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does boutade come from?
Boutade entered English from French in the 17th century. The French word belongs to the family of bouter, “to turn,” and bout, “turn” or “end,” a vocabulary also reflected in related forms such as bout and about. Rather than developing further in English, boutade remained a largely literary loanword associated with quick, elegant turns of wit.
How boutade is actually used
Boutade is uncommon in everyday speech and sounds distinctly literary, formal, and somewhat continental. It usually carries a connotation of quick, elegant, or mildly teasing humour.