asteismus

English

Alternative forms

• astysmus, astismus

Etymology

From Latin astĕïsmŏs (“the more refined style of speaking”), from Ancient Greek ἀστείσμός (asteísmós).

Noun

asteismus (uncountable)

1. (rhetoric) Witty dialog or response.
2. (rhetoric) In dialog, a retort based on a punning use of another speaker's word or metaphor.

Hyponyms

• (punning retort): antanaclasis, punning