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A saying is something that is said, notable in
one respect or another, to be "a pithy expression of wisdom or
truth."[1]
There are a number of specific types of saying:
Apothegm. “…an edgy, more cynical aphorism;
such as, ‘Men are generally more careful of the breed of their
horses and dogs than of their children.’" [2]
Aphorism. A concise
definition, notably memorable.
Adage. An aphorism that has
gained credibility by virtue of long use.
Cliché. An overly
commonplace, hackneyed or trite saying.
Epigram. A poetic
form of comment on a particular idea, occurrence, or
person.
Epithet. A descriptive
word or phrase that has become a popular formulation.
Gnome
(Greek:gnome, from gignoskein, to know). A type of
saying, especially an aphorism or a maxim, that is designed to provide
instruction in a
compact form.
Idiom. “…an expression whose
meaning can’t be derived simply by hearing it, such as ‘Kick the
bucket.’[2]
Mantra. A religious or
mystical syllable or poetic phrase.
Maxim. A principle or rule. A maxim is a wise
saying, especially one intended to advise or recommend a course of
conduct. In comparison to its approximate synonyms: saying, adage, saw, motto, epigram, proverb, aphorism, the term maxim stresses the
succinct formulation of an ultimate truth, a fundamental principle,
or a rule of conduct. The word derives from the Latin word maximus, "greatest", via an
expression maxima propositio, "greatest premise".
Motto. A concise expression
of motivation used by a group or individual
Platitude. A flat,
insipid, trite, or weak remark.
Proverb. An expression
of practical truth or wisdom.
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