dry remarks

USAGE SUMMARY

"dry remarks" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a figure of speech used to describe comments that are made in a blunt, non-emotional, and often humorous manner. For example: "My dad always makes dry remarks about my choice of clothing whenever I go out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

And once he warms up and we turn the conversation away from strict business chat, he is really good fun, making dry remarks and then smiling quietly afterwards.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Press TV, Iran's state-run, English-language satellite channel, ignored the contentious portion of Mr. Rouhani's interview, choosing instead to highlight his dry remarks on the management of Iran's economy.

The New York Times

Finally we went to a drinking den, where Marie's dry remarks in my ear as I was trying to interview two men with a serious Waragi habit (the local spirit) really did crack me up.

The Guardian

4. The Ping Pong Game Intensifies and Tensions Rise: The jokes and dry remarks of the opening session seem like a distant past.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Federer, with his dry sarcasm, remarked, "It is the end of the world".

Los Angeles Times

He brings everyone back to reality, often with a dry, witty remark or taking a dig at somebody just to sort of bring people back down".

Wikipedia

NO SHRINKING VIOLET CRAWLEY, Robber's mother, who is known for her dry, witty and racist remarks, enters, agitated.

The New York Times

Remarking on the daily drill of the animal kingdom -- a relentless replay of kill or be killed -- Joubert remarks with dry wit, "The film's rough cut was nauseating.

Huffington Post

At the beginning Mr. Cousins, who has an exquisitely dry and lilting speaking voice, remarks that this will be a story about ideas, not money, and his emphasis on art and thought is most welcome at a time when movie talk is dominated by box office bean counting.

The New York Times

Of that lady Coustillas remarks, in a typically dry way, "from no source do we gather that hers was a complex individuality".

The Guardian - Books

"The abbreviation would be obvious, you know," he remarked with just enough dry, down-home accent to hint a punch line was on the way.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Employ "dry remarks" when you aim to convey a sense of detachment or skepticism without resorting to overt negativity.

Common error

Avoid using "dry remarks" in situations where directness and clarity are essential. The subtlety can be misinterpreted as dismissive or even hostile, especially in professional or sensitive contexts. Ensure the audience understands the intended humor or irony to prevent unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dry remarks" functions as a noun phrase, where "dry" modifies "remarks". It describes the quality or manner of the remarks, indicating a lack of emotion or overt expression. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dry remarks" is a noun phrase used to describe comments delivered with a subtle, often ironic, humor. As indicated by Ludwig AI, the expression is grammatically correct and acceptable in English writing, though relatively rare. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves the purpose of injecting humor or skepticism without being overtly emotional. When incorporating "dry remarks" into your writing, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and ensure the audience understands the intended nuance. Consider alternatives like "wry comments" or "sarcastic observations" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wry comments

Focuses on the subtly humorous and often ironic nature of the remarks.

sarcastic observations

Emphasizes the use of sarcasm in the remarks.

ironic statements

Highlights the use of irony in the statements.

droll remarks

Emphasizes the humorous and understated quality of the remarks.

deadpan comments

Focuses on the delivery of the remarks without emotion.

acerbic wit

Highlights the sharpness and potential bitterness of the humor.

caustic observations

Emphasizes the biting and critical nature of the observations.

sardonic comments

Highlights the cynical and mocking nature of the comments.

understated humor

Focuses on the subtle and restrained nature of the humor.

laconic wit

Emphasizes the brevity and terseness of the witty remarks.

FAQs

What does "dry remarks" mean?

"Dry remarks" are comments or statements delivered in a matter-of-fact or unemotional way, often with a subtle or ironic humor that might not be immediately apparent.

How can I use "dry remarks" in a sentence?

You can use "dry remarks" to describe someone's speech or wit. For example, "He often punctuated serious discussions with "dry remarks", lightening the mood subtly."

What are some alternatives to saying "dry remarks"?

Alternatives include "wry comments", "sarcastic observations", or "ironic statements", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are "dry remarks" always intended to be funny?

While "dry remarks" often contain an element of humor, the humor is usually understated and may not be the primary intention. They can also be used to express skepticism or detachment in a subtle way.