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bon mot

 
Dictionary: bon mot   (N') pronunciation
 
n., pl. bons mots (N', mōz').

A clever saying; a witticism.

[French : bon, good + mot, word.]


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Literary Glossary: Bon Mot
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A French term meaning "good word". A bon mot is a witty remark or clever observation. Charles Lamb and Oscar Wilde are celebrated for their witty bon mots. Two examples by Oscar Wilde stand out: (1) "All women become their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That's his". (2) "A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies".

 
WordNet: bon mot
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Note: click on a word meaning below to see its connections and related words.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: a clever remark
  Synonym: mot


 
 

 

Copyrights:

Dictionary. The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2007. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.  Read more
Answers Corporation Literary Glossary. © 2006 through a partnership of Answers Corporation. All rights reserved.  Read more
WordNet. WordNet 1.7.1 Copyright © 2001 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.  Read more