Drolly: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

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.

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.

• ...
• 39504 gigging
• 39505 distrustfully
• 39506 juiciest
• 39507 drolly
• 39508 hoyden
• 39509 immodestly
• 39510 southpaw
• ...