Certainly
related to “Zing! Went the strings of my heart” (Judy Garland, 1934), though
onomatopoeia for the sound of a harp. Zing, a cartoon word, unknown in early
OED. American for energy and vigour, but 2. Abuse. Then, 4. A witticism delivered
with speed and force. So, a wisecrack or punchline, but note the American
connection with Abuse. Ears of Melbourne theatres spend April living off
zingers. As for the rest, take it or leave it. Not all zingers are words, but.
Billy Connolly’s deadpan look, for example, had the whole place helpless with
laughter. How did he do it?
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