A saying is any concisely written or spoken expression that is especially memorable because of its meaning or style. Sayings are categorized as follows:
Aphorism : a general, observational truth; "a pithy expression of wisdom or truth". Adage, proverb, or saw : a widely known or popular aphorism that has gained credibility by long use or tradition.
Apophthegm: "an edgy, more cynical aphorism ; such as, 'Men are generally more careful of the breed of their horses and dogs than of their children.'"
Cliché or bromide: an unoriginal and overused saying.
Platitude: a cliché that is unsuccessfully presented as though it were meaningful, original, or effective.
Epigram: a clever and often poetic written saying that comments on a specific person, idea, or thing; it especially denominates such a saying that is conspicuously put at the beginning of a text.
Epitaph: a saying in honor of a decedent, often engraved on a headstone or plaque.
Epithet: a descriptive word or saying already widely associated with a specific person, idea, or thing.
Idiom: a saying that has only a non-literal interpretation; "an expression whose meaning can't be derived simply by hearing it, such as ' Kick the bucket.'" Four - character idiom:
Chengyu: Chinese four - character idioms
Sajaseong-eo: Korean form of four - character idioms
Yojijukugo: Japanese form of four - character idioms
Mantra: a religious, mystical, or other spiritual saying that is repeated, for example, in meditation.
Maxim: (1) an instructional expression of a general principle or rule of morality or (2) simply a synonym for " aphorism "; they include:
Brocards
Gnomes
Legal maxims
Motto : a saying used frequently by a person or group to summarize its general mission.
Quip: a clever or humorous saying based on an observation.
