Pithy

Adjective

Definition: (of language or style) terse and vigorously expressive.

Synonyms: Concise, Succinct, Brief, Pointed, Terse

Antonyms: Verbose, Long-winded, Rambling

Examples:

The speaker delivered a pithy message that left a lasting impression.
His pithy remarks always cut to the core of the matter.

Mnemonics:

Think of "pith" as the essence or core of something, and a pithy statement captures that essence in a concise way.
"Pithy" sounds similar to "pithiness", which implies brevity and conveys meaning effectively.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "pithy" comes from the Middle English word "pithi," which means full of pith. It is derived from the Old English word "piþa," meaning "the substance or core of a matter."

Historical Usage:

The usage of "pithy" to describe language or style that is concise and expressive dates back to the 14th century.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Pithy one-liner"

Explanation:

Refers to a concise and impactful single line or statement that conveys a complete thought or idea.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "pithy" with "trite" or "cliché."

Explanation:

While "pithy" implies being concise and expressive, it does not necessarily mean using overused or unoriginal phrases. A pithy statement can be fresh and original, conveying a thought or idea in a clever and succinct manner.