noun
witty remark; well-worded saying; epigram; aphorism
Refers to a clever, apt, or memorable phrase, often with a literary or rhetorical flavor. Can be used for both spontaneous witty remarks and crafted aphorisms.
彼のスピーチには名文句がいくつもあった。
His speech contained several witty remarks.
この本は人生の名文句を集めたものだ。
This book is a collection of well-worded sayings about life.
警句 is closer to 'epigram' or 'aphorism' with a sharper, more critical edge, whereas 名文句 can be lighter and more about wit.
Compound of 名 (めい, 'famous' or 'excellent') and 文句 (もんく, 'phrase' or 'wording'). The combination straightforwardly means 'excellent phrase'.