'riposte' originates from French, specifically the word 'riposte,' where 're-' meant 'again' and 'poste' meant 'position.'

'riposte' changed from the French word 'riposte' and eventually became the modern English word 'riposte.'

Initially, it meant 'a quick return thrust in fencing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a quick, clever reply.'