repartie

Repartie is a French noun meaning a quick, witty, and well-timed reply in conversation. A repartie can be a light quip or a sharp rebuke delivered in the heat of dialogue, typically aimed at outpacing an interlocutor, defusing tension, or demonstrating verbal wit. The concept emphasizes spontaneity and originality, though well-prepared lines can also function as reparties.

Origin and form: The term is of French origin, with the feminine form repartie (une repartie) used to denote both the act and the product of a clever response. In English, the spelling repartie is occasionally used to discuss French-style wit, but the closely related English term is repartee.

Usage: Repartie is commonly referenced in discussions of public speaking, theatre, debating, and everyday banter. A good repartie is often valued for its timing and cleverness, and can be delivered spontaneously or from a prepared line. Depending on context, a repartie can be perceived as witty and engaging or as overly sharp or dismissive.

See also: Repartee, Retort, Witty banter.