WELLERISM Meaning and
Definition
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A wellerism is a type of witty expression or phrase that follows a particular format. The term originated from the works of Charles Dickens' fictional character Sam Weller in his novel "The Pickwick Papers". Wellerisms are characterized by a two-part structure, consisting of a statement or observation followed by a humorous or clever twist often in a pun-like manner.
These expressions often involve wordplay, clever comparisons, or unexpected substitutions. The twist in a wellerism may take the form of a play on words, an unexpected interpretation, or a humorous contradiction. They are designed to surprise or amuse the listener through their unexpected or clever resolution.
Wellerisms have endured and evolved in popular culture, becoming a recognized form of literary and conversational device. They are widely appreciated for their wit, humor, and ability to encapsulate a clever idea in a succinct and memorable manner. Due to their structure, wellerisms lend themselves well to puns, double entendres, and humorous wordplay.
Overall, a wellerism can be defined as a type of expression or phrase in which a statement is followed by a humorous or clever twist, often involving wordplay or unexpected interpretations. Their enduring popularity is a testament to their ability to provide amusement and wit in a concise and memorable manner.
Common Misspellings for WELLERISM
- qellerism
- aellerism
- sellerism
- eellerism
- 3ellerism
- 2ellerism
- wwllerism
- wsllerism
- wdllerism
- wrllerism
- w4llerism
- w3llerism
- weklerism
- weplerism
- weolerism
- welkerism
- welperism
- weloerism
- wellwrism
Etymology of WELLERISM
The word "wellerism" is derived from the name of the fictional character Mr. Samuel Weller in Charles Dickens' novel "The Pickwick Papers" (1837). Mr. Weller is known for his humorous and witty way of speaking, often using a particular form of dialogue known as a Wellerism. In a Wellerism, a speaker makes an initial statement or observation, usually in a literal sense, which is then cleverly followed by a second clause that humorously modifies or contradicts the first. The term "Wellerism" originally referred specifically to this type of humorous dialogue but has since been broadened to encompass similar forms of expression or speech patterns.
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