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Wry Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wry

[raษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

sense of humor

Using or expressing dry, especially mocking, humor.

Synonyms

ironic, sarcastic, satirical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wry

Again, refers to a type of dry, mocking humor, similar to 'wry smile,' but this redundancy was likely unintentional in listing.

  • She couldnโ€™t help but give a wry laugh at his mispronunciation.
  • His wry observations about life always came with a hint of sarcasm.
sarcastic

Utilized to convey contempt or mock someone using sharp, often cutting remarks; usually has a negative connotation.

  • 'Nice of you to join us,' she said with a sarcastic tone when he arrived late.
  • His sarcastic comments made it clear he wasn't happy with the decision.
ironic

Applied when the actual meaning is opposite to the literal meaning, often highlighting a contrast between expectations and reality.

  • It's ironic that the fire station burned down.
  • His ironic remark about how 'fortunate' he was to get stuck in traffic made everyone chuckle.
satirical

Employed to critique or mock societal vices, idiocies, or injustices through the use of humor, exaggeration, or irony.

  • The movie is a satirical take on the corruption in politics.
  • He writes satirical articles about modern technology trends.

Examples of usage

  • He made wry jokes about the situation.
  • Her wry sense of humor always made me laugh.
Context #2 | Adjective

facial expression

Twisted or bent to one side, often in a humorous or ironic manner.

Synonyms

crooked, sardonic, twisted.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
wry

Typically used to describe a type of humor or smile that is dry, mocking, or subtly sarcastic.

  • He gave a wry smile as he listened to the politician's speech
crooked

Often used to describe something that is bent, curved, or not straight. Can also refer to dishonesty or corruption.

  • The picture on the wall was hanging crooked
  • / The businessman was known for his crooked dealings
twisted

Can refer to something that is physically bent or coiled, and in a figurative sense, something that is morally wrong or corrupt.

  • The rope was twisted around the pole
  • / The plot of the movie was dark and twisted
sardonic

Used to describe a type of humor or attitude that is cynical, mocking, and bitter. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • She gave a sardonic laugh when asked about the company's future
  • / His sardonic comments always made people uncomfortable

Examples of usage

  • She gave him a wry smile.
  • The cat looked at me with a wry expression.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Writers like Mark Twain and Jane Austen often used wry humor in their work to critique society in a light-hearted way.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters display wry comments that reveal deeper truths beneath their humorous exteriors.
  • Contemporary literature frequently employs wry humor to engage readers with relatable, ironic situations.

Psychology

  • Using wry humor can serve as a coping mechanism to deal with stress or difficult emotions.
  • Research suggests that people who appreciate wry humor often have high emotional intelligence, enabling them to navigate social situations effectively.
  • Wry humor is often associated with intelligence, as it involves recognizing and expressing nuanced ideas in a clever manner.

Pop Culture

  • Shows like 'The Office' and 'Parks and Recreation' often feature wry humor through deadpan delivery and situational irony.
  • Stand-up comics like Louis C.K. and Ellen DeGeneres are known for their use of wry humor, blending seriousness with a light-hearted touch.
  • Graphic novels such as 'Watchmen' exhibit wry humor by flipping common superhero tropes on their heads.

Art and Media

  • Visual artists sometimes employ wry humor in their works to challenge audience expectations, sparking conversations around serious topics.
  • Political cartoons often utilize wry humor to critique current events, offering a humorous lens on societal issues.
  • The webcomic 'Sarah's Scribbles' showcases wry humor that resonates with young adults navigating life's awkward moments.

Origin of 'wry'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'wry' comes from the Old English word 'wrygan', meaning to twist or turn.
  • It originally referred to something that was bent or twisted, which evolved in usage to describe humor that has a twist.
  • The pronunciation of 'wry' rhymes with 'cry', highlighting its connection to expressions of emotion.

The word 'wry' originated from the Old English word 'wrigian', meaning 'to twist or turn'. Over time, the meaning of 'wry' evolved to include both a sense of twisted humor and a physical twist or bend. The adjective 'wry' has been used in English literature since the 16th century to describe both humorous wit and a twisted expression. It has become a versatile term to convey both dry humor and a sardonic twist, making it a popular choice for writers and speakers alike.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,454, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.