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Book: Playing with Words

Chapter: Wit

DOI: 10.1558/equinox.29381

Blurb:

The terms ‘humour’ and ‘wit’ overlap. We can make a distinction, though the difference is certainly not clear-cut. Wit is cleverness with words, usually humorous, but not always. The author is demonstrating his or her verbal prowess. We are meant to admire the ingenuity, perhaps we will smile, perhaps even laugh, but if we do, that is a bonus. Since the term ‘wit’ is generally reserved for the clever end of the humour spectrum.

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