Drolly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Literature

• Famous authors, like Jane Austen, used droll humor to provide commentary on society and relationships.
• In Shakespeare's plays, characters often exhibit droll behavior that creates humor in unexpected ways.
• The term frequently appears in modern satirical writing, where humor is a blend of absurdity and insight.

Pop Culture

• Droll humor is a hallmark of British comedy, seen in shows like 'Monty Python's Flying Circus'.
• Contemporary films often feature drolly witty characters, adding a unique flavor to comedies and dramas.
• Popular cartoons like 'The Far Side' use droll humor to create bizarre yet hilarious situations.

Psychology

• Drolly humorous situations can lighten mood and reduce stress, making people feel more relaxed.
• Studies show that appreciating droll humor may reflect cognitive flexibility and an ability to view situations from different perspectives.
• Droll humor often elicits a stronger social bond as it highlights shared absurdities in life.

Performance Arts

• Actors often use droll techniques to portray unusual characters, engaging the audience in unexpected laughter.
• Improvisational comedy often sees performers embody drolly absurd characters to generate spontaneity.
• The art of stand-up comedy includes droll sections, where comedians share quirky observations on everyday life.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the French 'drole', which means 'funny' or 'amusing'.
• Originally used in the 17th century, it has a playful connotation, often tied to characters or situations.
• The use of 'drolly' often describes a clever or dry sense of humor that may catch you by surprise.

The word 'drolly' originates from the French word 'drol,' which means 'merry' or 'funny.' The term evolved in the English language during the late 17th century, where it took on connotations of amusing, quirky, or slightly ridiculous behavior. Initially, it was used to describe a playful or mischievous aspect of someone's character or behavior. Over time, 'drolly' became associated more closely with dry humor, particularly in literature and theater. Writers and playwrights found value in employing drolly characters and dialogues to create tension and irony in their narratives, making it resonate with audiences fond of subtle wit.

Ranking #39,507, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 39507 drolly
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