1530s, variant of quippy in same sense (1510s), perhaps from Latin quippe "indeed, of course, as you see, naturally, obviously" (used sarcastically), from quid "what" (neuter of pronoun quis "who;" see who), and compare quibble, n.) + emphatic particle -pe.

"make a quip," 1570s, from quip, n.. Related: Quipped; quipping.