retort
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re·tort 1
(rĭ-tôrt′)re·tort 2
(rĭ-tôrt′, rē′tôrt′)retort
(rɪˈtɔːt)retort
(rɪˈtɔːt)re•tort1
(rɪˈtɔrt)v.t.
re•tort2
(rɪˈtɔrt)n.
re·tort
(rĭ-tôrt′, rē′tôrt′)Retort
(See also EXCLAMATIONS.)
Dick Tracy A mildly sarcastic retort to one who makes an obvious observation as if from penetrating insight. This expression derives from the popular comic strip Dick Tracy which features a detective of that name. Dick Tracy is analogous to such rhetorical comments as “Is the Pope Catholic?” and “No kidding, you don’t say.”
the Dutch have taken Holland An obvious statement, this expression is used sarcastically to put down someone who tells a piece of stale news as though it were new and exciting. If my aunt had been a man she’d have been my uncleis a similar British retort to someone who has laboriously explained the obvious.
Queen Anne is dead A sarcastic remark made to the bearer of stale news. A similar, current American phrase is So what else is new? Anne was Queen of Great Britain and Ireland from 1702-14. The expression dates from the 18th century.
touché Literally French for ‘touched,’ touché is a fencing term indicating a hit or score. In verbal fencing or argumentation the parry touché acknowledges accuracy and truth in an opponent’s remark or retort.
retort
Past participle: retorted
Gerund: retorting
Imperative |
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retort |
retort |
Noun | 1. | retort - a quick reply to a question or remark (especially a witty or critical one); "it brought a sharp rejoinder from the teacher" |
2. | retort - a vessel where substances are distilled or decomposed by heat alembic - an obsolete kind of container used for distillation; two retorts connected by a tube still - an apparatus used for the distillation of liquids; consists of a vessel in which a substance is vaporized by heat and a condenser where the vapor is condensed vessel - an object used as a container (especially for liquids) | |
Verb | 1. | retort - answer back |