What does quipped mean?
Quipped is the past tense and past participle of quip, a verb meaning to make a brief, witty or humorous remark. It often implies a response that is quick, light, and slightly teasing, although the remark can also be genuinely comic. Quipped appears particularly in conversation, comedy, journalism, and literary prose, where it describes someone answering a question or comment with a concise jest. A speaker might quip about poor weather, political misconduct, workplace frustration, or an awkward situation. The word can suggest cleverness without necessarily indicating that the remark is especially substantial. Its past and past-participle forms are especially common in reported speech: “She quipped that she had arrived precisely on time.” The related noun quip denotes such a witty remark, while the present participle is quipping. Overall, quipped evokes a response that is brief, humorous, and often delivered with noticeable timing or wit.
verbMade a brief, witty or humorous remark, especially in response to a comment or question.
- To make a brief, witty or humorous remark.
"When questioned about the delay, she quipped that punctuality was not her strongest suit."
"He quipped that the meeting could have been an email."
"The comedian quipped about the unreliable train before continuing her monologue."
A quip is quick enough to slip out before wisdom can catch it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does quipped come from?
Quipped derives from quip, a word attested in English by the mid-17th century for a short, sharp or witty remark. The precise origin of quip is uncertain, although it may be related to earlier continental European forms meaning to turn or move briskly. The verbal use meaning “make a witty remark” developed from the noun, and the ending -ed in quipped marks the past tense and past participle.
Related word forms
How quipped is actually used
The word usually suggests a remark that is clever, light, and concise. It is somewhat literary but remains common in journalism, conversation, and comedy.
Easily confused with quipped
A quip is a witty verbal remark, whereas a quilt is a stitched textile covering or bedspread.