- asteism (n.)
![youdao](/etym/ico/youdao.ico)
![iciba](/etym/ico/iciba.ico)
![Dict](/etym/ico/haici.ico)
[asteism 词源字典] - "genteel irony, polite mockery," 1580s, from Greek asteismos "wit, witticism," from asteios "of a city or town" (as opposed to "country"), from asty "town, city," especially (without the article) "Athens."[asteism etymology, asteism origin, 英语词源]