WITTY DEFINITION:having intellectual capacity marked by clever humor CATEGORIES:identity, interactive SIMILAR ATTRIBUTES:droll POSSIBLE CAUSES: Having a strong sense of humor or dry observation that is combined with quick thought Growing up in a home where intellectual or thoughtful humor was encouraged A desire for acceptance or admiration Insecurity A desire for control; using one’s intellectual prowess to put others in their place A nervous response to being in an uncomfortable situation ASSOCIATED BEHAVIORS: Making jokes based on high intellect Avoiding and disdaining the “easy laugh” (potty humor, slapstick comedy, etc.) Always having the last word Quick thinking Naturally seeing the humorous side of things Reading into what people say; naturally spotting double meanings Having keen perception of people, particularly noting their flaws and ironies Translating one’s knowledge into comedic observations Using one’s wit to chastise or reprimand others Passive-aggressive behavior Taking in what others say Using comparisons to be humorous Indulging in exaggeration Quoting movies, books, and pop culture in a humorous way Speaking in a carefree tone, as if wittiness comes naturally without a lot of work Knowing one’s context; tailoring quips to one’s audience Likability Competitiveness; engaging in a battle of wits with other witty people Being able to read one’s audience Saying things that are unexpected Thinking creatively Confidence Laughing often Flirtatious behavior Delivering jokes with a deadpan expression or minimal movements Playing with words; showing an interest in vocabulary Admiring other quick wits Studying the masters Making observations that are ironic and humorous that others never considered ASSOCIATED THOUGHTS: How can I say that in a funny way? That went over well. I’ll use that again. I love that Taylor can laugh at himself and doesn’t take things too seriously. ASSOCIATED EMOTIONS:amusement, confidence, happiness, pride POSITIVE ASPECTS:Witty characters make observations that can turn mundane situations or events into hilarity. These characters are often the first to make a joke and can elevate an existing quip by adding another layer of observation, carrying the humor farther. Quick-thinking, witty folks deliver one-liners which are both clever and eye-opening, allowing others to experience a situation’s meaning at a different level, often through the lens of irony. Because most people like to laugh, witty characters are often well-liked by others. NEGATIVE ASPECTS:Characters with a quick wit can sometimes let their mouths get ahead of their good sense, offering humor when it isn’t wanted or needed or joking in a way that makes people uncomfortable. Some characters who are enthralled with their own wittiness can veer into caustic wit and sarcasm, which can hurt or humiliate others. There is also the chance that an observation about a group or belief could unknowingly touch on a sensitive subject and offend listeners. In addition, people can be turned off by a witty character’s constant one-upmanship. EXAMPLE FROM TV:In the television showM*A*S*H*, Hawkeye Pierce has a comeback for everything. Intelligent, quick-witted, and a born smart aleck, he uses humor both as a means of making his unwilling presence at the Korean conflict bearable, and as a release for his cynicism and resentment. While his constant jokes grate on some members of the unit, many of his fellow soldiers and medical practitioners find it a welcome relief.Other Examples from Film and TV:Porthos (The Three Musketeers), Niles Crane (Frasier) TRAITS IN SUPPORTING CHARACTERS THAT MAY CAUSE CONFLICT:devout, eccentric, humorless, insecure, introverted, proper, volatile CHALLENGING SCENARIOS FOR THE WITTY CHARACTER: PLOTLINE: Working in a serious environment where humor isn’t appreciated PLOTLINE: Facing a foreign audience or culture that doesn’t get one’s humor PLOTLINE: A debilitation that limits one’s ability to be witty (mental decline, fatigue, etc.) PLOTLINE: Feeing burned out or blocked, and no longer achieving the big laughs