Epigram Root Words. Ancient greeks and romans used the word epigramma (from greek epigraphein, meaning to write on) to refer to a concise, witty, and often satirical verse. Épigramme, middle french (frm) ; Epigram is slightly earlier (16c) and has two . A short, often satirical poem dealing concisely with a single subject and usually ending with a witty or ingenious turn of thought.
