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by wobalome on March 24th, 2007

wobalome

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If sarcasm is the lowest form of wit, what are the other forms of wit and what order do they come in?.

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  • by science_geek on March 24th, 2007

    science_geek

    Who said that sarcasm is the lowest form of wit? I would have to argue that 'potty' humor is far lower.

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  • by hijklmno on March 24th, 2007

    hijklmno

    As one of my lecturers said once: "sarcasm may be the lowest form of wit, but it's the highest form of humour."

    Wagga, wagga.

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  • by PrettyPirate on March 24th, 2007

    PrettyPirate

    The worst kind of wit I can think of is a .. well, it's not very "kid friendly", if you know what I mean.

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  • by legion on October 21st, 2009

    legion

    Wit = intellectual humor. From dictionary.com = the keen perception and cleverly apt expression of those connections between ideas that awaken amusement and pleasure.

    So by that definition, things like slapstick comedy do not apply. I would also propose things like pre-fabricated jokes (e.g. "What did the fish say when it swam into a wall? Damn.") do not qualify as I believe wit to be something requiring a certain quickness and nimble mind, at least for the highest forms.

    Sarcasm gets slammed because it is "at the expense of others" but really, I think sarcasm given and taken in good humor is quite lovely and entertaining. It is a way of joking with friends or family that shows you know their weaknesses and can needle them a bit rather than avoiding such topics and secretly judging them. It is also a good way to feel out a complete stranger and see if they have a good sense of humor or are they one of those people who take themselves too seriously and are just looking for the next excuse to be offended?

    I find puns to be the lowest form of wit, followed by formulaic repartee' such as "your mom", "that's what she said" or "your face is _____(whatever the last person said)". Potty humor swirls around in the bowl amongst these.

    I classify humor such as Irony, Dark or Dry humor not so much forms of wit than genres.

    Proper flirting requires a good wit and inside jokes are commonly a result of witty banter. I find the most delightful conversations I have with close friends would not be understood fully to most passers-by. Invention, imagination, creativity.

    Sarcasm or any other humor (such as blonde jokes) as a tool to belittle or demean someone with spiteful intention is not a form of wit, but a form of abuse.

    My two cents. hope this helps :)

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  • by dumdum on July 13th, 2009

    dumdum

    I too disagree with your premise. Sarcasm done correctly is an art. Done poorly it is like anything not done well - it should not be done at all. Humor done at the expense of others is the lowest. +5

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  • by Kayleigh on July 13th, 2009

    Kayleigh

    The others are being cynical or ironical. Same category different situation.

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  • by JamesU on February 7th, 2009

    JamesU

    "Sarcasm is the lowest form of humour but the highest form of wit"

    That's what Oscar Wild(Wilde?) said.

    You misunderstood.

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  • by Anonymous on September 25th, 2008

    Anonymous

    In generelisations.

    I would say that these are above Sarcasm.


    Irony
    Dark-humour
    Repartees
    Perdanticity?[Is that even a word?]
    Word plays.
    And NOT satire, since satire is just another way of saying sarcasm.

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  • by Anonymous on January 17th, 2008

    Anonymous

    guessing....
    1.political satire
    2.impressions
    3.lymrics
    4.puns
    5.slapstick
    6.sarcasm

    cant think of anymore :)

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  • by American idle on March 24th, 2007

    American idle

    Sarcasm isn't the lowest. 'Many a truth is said in jest'. THAT is.

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  • by debsmooth on March 24th, 2007

    debsmooth

    I disagree. I think the lowest form of wit is laughing at one's own jokes. Not very funny.

    I want to add that I think most people are really bad at sarcasm. Eyerolling and stating obviously untrue things (perhaps employing some finger-quotes) is not the kind of sarcasm I think of as funny.

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  • by mandarox on September 16th, 2008

    mandarox

    sarcasm isnt the lowest i think quoting tv ads would be lower or just using stupid voices

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  • by CapN'Crunch on July 13th, 2009

    CapN'Crunch

    no...sarcasm can be very witty. It just depends on how much the one using it is a critical thinker.

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  • by Ouisel32 on August 2nd, 2010

    Ouisel32

    Humour should embrace everyone and should relieve tension. Anything that sets out to humiliate or cause confusion in some people, cannot be called funny and it's not a healthy way to go about life. Academic Arrogance makes my blood curdle

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