Quick, clever, and perfectly timed jokes will always make the conversation more interesting; this is what the word 'bon mot' means
Word of the day: BON MOT
Pronunciaton: UK/ˌbɒn ˈməʊ/ US/ˌbɑːn ˈmoʊ/
Meaning
Bon mot means a clever, witty, or pithy remark, often delivered with perfect timing in conversation.
Origin and History
The term bon mot originates from French, literally translating to good word or good saying. It refers to a clever and witty remark, a witticism, or a well-phrased saying. The phrase entered the English language in the 18th century.
Writers like Voltaire and La Rochefoucauld became famous not just for their books but for their bons mots.
Examples from literature
- I’m an eternal stranger forced to reintroduce myself to her one bon mot at a time. – Love, Hate & Other Filters by Samira Ahmed
- “Add the occasional bon mot and I’m in.” – Internment by Samira Ahmed
Synonyms
- Witticism
- Quip
- Epigram
- One-liner
- Jest
Published: 25 Sept 2025, 08:00 am IST
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