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Reflections of a working writer and reader

 

 

Humour and such

john baker, May 12th, 2006. 4 comments. Filed under humour, quotations, writing.

In Fowler’s Modern English Usage, we are given the following, which is quite wonderful and which I have often rediscovered during my time. Has this ever been improved upon?

. Motive or Aim Province Method or Means Audience
Humour Discovery Human Nature Observation The Sympathetic
Wit Throwing Light Words & Ideas Surprise The Intelligent
Satire Amendment Morals & Manners Accentuation The Self-satisfied
Sarcasm Inflicting Pain Faults & Foibles Inversion Victim & Bystander
Invective Discredit Misconduct Direct Statement The Public
Irony Exclusiveness Statement of Facts Mystification An Inner Circle
Cynicism Self-justification Morals Exposure of Nakedness The Respectable
The Sardonic Self-relief Adversity Pessimism Self
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4 Responses to “Humour and such”

  1. Neil (Floating Life) says:
    12th May 2006 at 4:03 am

    Thanks for reminding me of that; it really is brilliant.

  2. Pearl says:
    12th May 2006 at 10:35 pm

    That is wonderful how someone’s broken that all down. Cool.

  3. Jennyta says:
    13th May 2006 at 8:11 am

    This is really good. I think I will forward it to my elder daughter who has no appreciation of my sense of humour and constantly accuses me of being simply sarcastic.

  4. Jags says:
    22nd April 2012 at 8:52 pm

    So its cynical of me to see the irony of this invective classification of humor as sarcastic when I should see the witty satire in it rather making a sardonic remark ??