pithy remark; witty remark; wisecrack
A short, clever, and often humorous comment. Used in both casual and literary contexts.
His witty remark made the audience burst into laughter.
This writer's pithy remarks contain deep insight.
Composed of 寸 (a very short length) and 言 (word, speech), literally 'inch-word'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination naturally suggests a brief, pointed remark.