Friday word: Witling

[med_cat]

From the "scholarly insults" category: (thanks to capt_facepalm for the word! ;)

Witling: 1 : a would-be wit

             2 : a person of little wit

First known use: 1693

"A beau and witling perished in the throng,

One died in metaphor, and one in song."

(from Alexander Pope's Rape of the Lock [a poem about the theft of a lock of hair])

Comments

[murielle.livejournal.com]

Oh! I'm afraid that would be me. I'm always attempting to be witty and falling flat on my ... wit-ever. ;-)

[med_cat]

"It is a wise man indeed who knows his limitations" ;)

I think few people are naturally witty, anyhow! I'm not among their number myself.

Here's a phrase you might like: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/esprit%20de%20l%27escalier

[murielle.livejournal.com]

Thank you! ;-)

[med_cat]

My pleasure ;)