Jest: A Term in Humor

Jest: Etymology/Term, Literal and Conceptual Meanings

Etymology/Term:

The term “jest” has its origins in Middle English, derived from the Old French word “geste” or “gest,” meaning a tale or exploit. The Old French term itself has roots in the Latin word “gesta,” referring to deeds or actions. Over time, “jest” evolved in English to signify a playful or humorous remark, action, or form of entertainment.

Literal Meaning:

• Refers to a playful or humorous remark.
• Involves the use of jokes or witty comments.

Conceptual Meaning:

• Encompasses the broader category of humor within literature.
• Can denote a form of entertainment characterized by wit or amusement.

Jest: Definition as a Term in Humor

Jest, in the context of humor, refers to a playful or humorous remark, action, or expression intended to evoke laughter or amusement. It is a term that encompasses jokes, witty comments, or amusing acts that contribute to a light-hearted or comical atmosphere. Within the realm of humor, jest serves as a vehicle for entertainment, adding levity to conversations, narratives, or performances.

Jest: Types and Examples

Type	Description	Example
Verbal Jest	Playful or witty remarks spoken aloud with the intent of amusing others.	“Why don’t scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything.”
Practical Jest	Physical actions or pranks meant to elicit laughter or surprise.	Setting up a whoopee cushion on someone’s chair.
Satirical Jest	Humorous critique or mockery of individuals, society, or institutions, often using irony.	Jonathan Swift’s “A Modest Proposal” satirizes social issues.
Surreal Jest	Absurd or fantastical humor that deviates from reality, often involving bizarre situations.	Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.”
Self-Deprecating Jest	Humor derived from one’s own shortcomings or humorous acknowledgment of one’s flaws.	“I’m on a whiskey diet. I’ve lost three days already.”
Ironic Jest	A form of humor where the intended meaning is opposite to the literal meaning of the words used.	Saying “Nice weather we’re having” during a thunderstorm.
Farcical Jest	Exaggerated, slapstick humor characterized by improbable situations and physical comedy.	The Marx Brothers’ comedy routines in “Duck Soup.”
Wit	Clever and quick humor involving a play on words, often used to showcase intelligence.	Oscar Wilde’s witty dialogue in “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
Parodic Jests	Humorous imitation or mockery of a specific style, genre, or work, often for comedic effect.	“Scary Movie” parodies horror film conventions.
Hyperbolic Jests	Humor that employs exaggeration for comedic effect, emphasizing the absurdity of a situation.	“I’ve told you a million times not to exaggerate!”

These examples illustrate the diverse types of jests found in various forms of humor, ranging from verbal wordplay to physical pranks and satirical critiques.

Jest: Examples in Everyday Life

1. Verbal Jests:
   • Example: “I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high. She looked surprised.”
   • Explanation: This jest involves a clever play on words, linking the surprise in the wife’s expression with the act of drawing her eyebrows.
2. Practical Jests:
   • Example: Placing a fake bug on a colleague’s desk to elicit a playful reaction.
   • Explanation: This practical jest aims to create surprise and amusement through a physical prank.
3. Satirical Jests:
   • Example: Political cartoons that humorously critique current events.
   • Explanation: Satirical jests in cartoons often employ humor to comment on societal or political issues.
4. Self-Deprecating Jests:
   • Example: “I could tell I was in for a bad day when I woke up and my fortune cookie read, ‘May the odds be ever in your favor.'”
   • Explanation: Using humor to acknowledge personal experiences, in this case, a comically unfortunate fortune.
5. Ironic Jests:
   • Example: Responding to a rainy day with, “Perfect weather for a beach day, don’t you think?”
   • Explanation: The irony lies in the contrast between the stated sentiment and the actual weather conditions.
6. Farcical Jests:
   • Example: Slipping on a banana peel and comically stumbling.
   • Explanation: Farcical jests often involve exaggerated physical comedy for humorous effect.
7. Wit:
   • Example: Oscar Wilde’s quote, “I can resist everything except temptation.”
   • Explanation: Wilde’s witty remark involves a clever play on the concept of resistance and temptation.
8. Parodic Jests:
   • Example: Spoofing a popular TV show by creating a humorous imitation of its characters and plot.
   • Explanation: Parodic jests mimic the style of the original work for comedic effect.
9. Hyperbolic Jests:
   • Example: “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse!”
   • Explanation: Hyperbolic jests use exaggeration to emphasize the intensity of a feeling or situation.
10. Surreal Jests:
    • Example: Creating a fictional, absurd scenario in which gravity works backward for comedic effect.
    • Explanation: Surreal jests involve humor derived from bizarre or fantastical situations that deviate from reality.Bottom of Form

Jest in Literature: Suggested Readings

1. Carroll, Lewis. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Macmillan, 1865.
2. Shakespeare, William. Twelfth Night. Oxford University Press, 2008.
3. Wilde, Oscar. The Importance of Being Earnest. Dover Publications, 1990.
4. Swift, Jonathan. Gulliver’s Travels. Oxford University Press, 1726.
5. Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Classics, 2003.
6. Pynchon, Thomas. The Crying of Lot 49. Harper Perennial, 1966.
7. Twain, Mark. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. Dover Publications, 1994.
8. Wodehouse, P.G. Right Ho, Jeeves. Arrow, 2008.
9. Heller, Joseph. Catch-22. Simon & Schuster, 1996.
10. Thurber, James. My Life and Hard Times. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 1999.