droll remark

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "droll remark" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a comment or statement that is amusing in an odd or whimsical way. Example: "His droll remark about the weather lightened the mood during the serious meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

This notwithstanding, I am obliged to relate a droll remark that he may have made during his callow years.

The New Yorker

It's a little odd, too, because -- despite Mrs. Hawkeye's perfectly droll remark to her husband that she totally supports him in his avenging -- the Avengers are not about avenging.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

When he conducts town meetings in Sony factories, he occasionally slips in droll remarks that might elude the workers.

The New Yorker

Strolling up and down the skeleton course, on Friday night at the Whistler Sliding Centre, brought to mind the motor-race scene in "Vile Bodies," except in place of Waugh's dissolute Bright Young Things there were little pods of scraggly snowboarder dudes, in low-slung stovepipe jeans, ironic toques, and reflector shades, drinking beer and making droll remarks.

The New Yorker

By Nick Paumgarten February 21 , 2010Strolling up and down the skeleton course, on Friday night at the Whistler Sliding Centre, brought to mind the motor-race scene in "Vile Bodies," except in place of Waugh's dissolute Bright Young Things there were little pods of scraggly snowboarder dudes, in low-slung stovepipe jeans, ironic toques, and reflector shades, drinking beer and making droll remarks.

The New Yorker

He's being droll again, but the remark feels poignant.

The Guardian - Music

Yet as one of her characters remarks during a droll scene in which four young people dub an episode of "Sex and the City" and Sean Penn's performance in "Milk" for clandestine distribution, "in this place, everything that's illegal is subversive".

The New York Times

Across the road from the Dickens house is the former home of the Rev Sydney Smith, the droll Anglican clergyman who once remarked that some people's idea of Heaven was "eating pâté de fois gras to the sound of trumpets".

Independent

"Walking in Delhi," he remarks in this dizzying, droll travelogue, "especially if you're large and whitish, and clearly above the poverty line, can make you an object of disbelief and ridicule".

The Guardian - Books

"It's weird that people would even ask, why 4 44?" Mr. Brown, 58, remarked in the same droll manner once seen in his "Weekend Update" segments on "Saturday Night Live" during the 1980s, and again on "The Daily Show," in the mid-'90s.

The New York Times

This is typical of the remarks he makes, which are droll and arch and often culminate in a camp giggle.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "droll remark" when you want to describe a comment that is amusing in an understated or ironic way. This phrase is particularly effective in formal writing and spoken contexts where subtle humor is appreciated.

Common error

Avoid using "droll remark" in casual conversations or informal writing where it might sound pretentious or out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "funny comment" or "amusing observation" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "droll remark" functions as a noun phrase, where "droll" modifies the noun "remark". It describes a specific type of remark characterized by its peculiar or wry humor. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, noting it describes a comment that is amusing in an odd or whimsical way.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "droll remark" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase that describes an amusing comment characterized by its understated or ironic nature. Ludwig AI assesses the phrase as correct and usable in written English. While not overly common, it's primarily found in news and media contexts. When aiming for sophisticated humor, "droll remark" is a good option. However, in more casual settings, simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The expert rating reflects its correct usage and appropriateness in specific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

amusing comment

Replaces "droll" with a more common synonym, focusing on the humorous aspect.

witty observation

Emphasizes the clever and insightful nature of the remark.

humorous statement

A more formal and straightforward way of describing a funny comment.

ironic comment

Highlights the use of irony in the remark.

facetious remark

Indicates the remark is intended to be humorous but may be inappropriate or ill-timed.

dry observation

Captures the understated and subtly humorous nature of the remark.

sarcastic comment

Highlights the use of sarcasm in the remark.

whimsical comment

Emphasizes the playful and fanciful aspect of the remark.

quirky statement

Suggests the remark is unusual and distinctive.

comical interjection

Describes the humorous comment as a sudden interruption.

FAQs

What does "droll remark" mean?

A "droll remark" is a comment or statement that is amusing in an odd, quiet, or understated way. It often involves a touch of irony or dry humor.

How can I use "droll remark" in a sentence?

You might say, "His "droll remark" about the absurdity of the situation made everyone chuckle" or "She delivered a "droll remark" that caught everyone off guard but ultimately lightened the mood."

What can I say instead of "droll remark"?

You can use alternatives like "amusing comment", "witty observation", or "humorous statement" depending on the specific context.

Is "droll remark" formal or informal?

"Droll remark" leans towards the formal side, suggesting a sophisticated or literary style. In very casual settings, simpler terms like "funny comment" might be more appropriate.