Vote for the best verboticism.
DEFINITION: n. A clever remark, especially a "comeback line" to an insult, which does not come to mind until it is too late to be delivered; often leads to the gnashing of teeth. v. To think of something clever after it's too late.
Verboticisms
Click on each verboticism to read the sentences created by the Verbotomy writers, and to see your voting options...
You have two votes. Click on the words to read the details, then vote your favorite.
Tortard
Created by: zrotv
Pronunciation: tōr'tärd
Sentence: Her insult was witty and cutting. I dug deep in my repertoire for an equally eloquent response, not wanting to defer to simple comments about her mother. Finally it came and I released it to the now distant and distancing back of her head. My lack of haste had resulted in the ever embarrassing tortardation. My weak totard fizzled on absent ears. Why, oh why, was I doomed to tortardation?! (slang, pejorative, adj.: retortarded)
Etymology: retort (To reply, especially to answer in a quick, caustic, or witty manner) + retard / tard (To be delayed. Latin retardāre : re- + tardāre, to delay (from tardus, slow))
Badinaggro
Created by: petaj
Pronunciation: bad-in-ar-gro
Sentence: Bob's OCD had led to him writing down all his badinaggros, creating a perpetual reminder of his inadequacy at repartee. Even worse were the badinagesaggro - remarks that he thought up at least a month after the insult.
Etymology: badinage (playful banter) + ago (in time past) + aggro (colloq. aggravation)
Retalilate
Created by: Stevenson0
Pronunciation: ri/tal/ee/late
Sentence: He could always retalilate to her sharp witted put downs, but only a few hours after her verbal slap.
Etymology: retaliate + late
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COMMENTS:
great word!! - Jabberwocky, 2007-04-03: 08:39:00
That's a good one! - jedijawa, 2007-04-03: 11:39:00
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Retrotort
Created by: caroline73
Pronunciation:
Sentence:
Etymology: combines retro - after the event - and retort.
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COMMENTS:
Good word. I bet if you put in the time to include a sample sentence, you might get a few more votes. - ErWenn, 2007-04-04: 01:15:00
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Retorlate
Created by: erasmus
Pronunciation: re toor layt
Sentence: Colin was always just a bit retorlate when trying to look cool if someone tried to put him down
Etymology: from retort and late
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COMMENTS:
I like this word - ajcor, 2007-04-03: 18:06:00
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Verbotoolate
Created by: galwaywegian
Pronunciation: ver bott oooo late
Sentence: He verbotoolated wildly as she walked out of earshot.
Etymology: verbotomy, too late
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COMMENTS:
I just thought of a great word for yesterday's definition. Is it verbotoolate? - wordmeister, 2007-04-03: 11:53:00
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Rejoinduh
Created by: CharlieB
Pronunciation: re-join-der
Sentence: Bill's witty riposte to his annoying colleagues came too late. He'd fallen into the humiliating trap of failing to think of a witticism, only a rejoinduh.
Etymology: rejoinder (a reply, a riposte) + uh! (an exclamation used to indicate doubt or hesitation)
Duedefence
Created by: fantomex
Pronunciation: dew-deff-enss
Sentence: It was when I came up with an obvious duedefence that I realized how stupid I am in arguments.
Etymology: due - overdue // defence - defence or defend
Waiticism
Created by: urbanwookie
Pronunciation: way-tiss-ism
Sentence: As he smashed the last plate in the restaurant, Chris suddenly discovered the waiticism he had needed to parry the waiter's razor-sharp repartee...
Etymology: wait -> witticism
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COMMENTS:
nicely weighted! - galwaywegian, 2007-04-03: 05:18:00
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Comments:
Today's definition was suggested by mplsbohemian.
Thank you mplsbohemian! ~ James
mplsbohemian - 2007-04-03: 11:13:00
Thanks for using the definition! I specifically chose it because the French expression for this is notoriously difficult to succinctly translate into English. Perhaps you guys can help! Peace Clint
Ah oui, "l'ésprit de l'escalier"... Merci pour la suggestion, mplsbohemian ~ James
Today's definition was suggested by mplsbohemian. Thank you mplsbohemian. ~ James