Literature Glossary
Don’t be an oxymoron. Know your literary terms.
Over 200 literary terms, Shmooped to perfection.
Epigram
Definition:
An epigram is a short, witty, memorable, and often highly quotable statement. Check out these examples from two of America's favorite sardonic scribblers:
"If you would not be forgotten as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worth reading or do things worth the writing." – Benjamin Franklin
"Great people talk about ideas, average people talk about things, and small people talk about wine." – Fran Lebowitz
Epigrams are often snarky or satirical, but they don't have to be. They almost always leave an impression, though. Consider this epigrammatic advice from Catherine the Great: "If you can't be a good example, you'll just have to be a horrible warning."
Words to live by, especially on the dance floor.