Information AboutWit |
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Wit is a form of intellectual Humor , based on manipulation of Concept s; a wit is someone who excels in witty remarks, typically in conversation and spontaneously, since wit carries the Connotation of speed of thought. Wit often suffers on being relayed to others (Often resulting in the storyteller saying, "You had to be there"). FAMOUS WITS John Wilkes was famous in the 18th Century for his wit such as his responses to insults. Oscar Wilde and Dorothy Parker have the status of archetypal 19th and 20th Century wits — to the extent of having the remarks of others attributed to them. Ksawery Tartakower is usually described as Chess Grandmaster ''and'' wit. Oliver St John Gogarty was a renowned Dublin wit and Surgeon . FORMS OF WIT As in the wit of Parker's set, the Algonquin Round Table , witty remarks may be intentionally cruel (as in many Epigram s), and perhaps more ingenious than funny. A quip is an observation or saying that has some wit but perhaps descends into : "You will, Oscar, you will".) WIT DEFINED In his Dictionary , Samuel Johnson states that the original meaning of wit is "the powers of the mind; the mental faculties; the intellects"; he also defines wit as "quickness of fancy", among the nine definitions. In Webster's Dictionary , wit is subtly defined as "the association of ideas in a manner natural, but unusual and striking, so as to produce surprise joined with pleasure". The American Television Series '' The Simpsons '' episode defined wit, in Scenes From The Class Struggle In Springfield as "nothing more than an incisive observation, humorously phrased and delivered with impeccable timing." WIT IN POETRY Wit in Poetry is characteristic of Metaphysical Poetry as a style, and was prevalent in the time of Shakespeare Who admonished the phrase "Better a witty fool than a foolish wit". It may combine Word Play with conceptual thinking, as a kind of verbal display requiring attention, without intending to be laugh-aloud funny; in fact wit can be a thin disguise for more poignant feelings that are being versified. John Donne is the representative of this style of poetry. FURTHER MEANINGS More generally, one's wits are one's intellectual powers of all types. Native wit — meaning the wits with which one is born — is closely synonymous with Common Sense . To live by one's wits is to be an Opportunist , not always of the scrupulous kind. To have one's wits about one is to be alert and capable of quick Reasoning . Another possible meaning of wit, or humor, loosely attributable to Freud, is "anger, turned sideways". Wit can also be an abbreviated form of the word with for SMS/MMS/Chat conversations TRIVIA In Robin Hobb 's books, the Wit is a Magic that allows someone to communicate and bond with certain wild animals. SEE ALSO |
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