Sayings

Brevity is the soul of wit

This page is about the saying "Brevity is the soul of wit"

Possible meaning:
The real art of speaking (especially when speaking humorously) is to use as few words as possible.

Note:
brevity (noun): shortness of time; use of few but exact words | soul (noun): the spiritual part of something; the essence of something | wit (noun): lively, keen intelligence; ability to use words creatively and for humour

Origin: This proverb is based on the words of Polonius in "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare (1564-1616):

Therefore, since brevity is the soul of wit,
And tediousness the limbs and outward flourishes,
I will be brief...

Quick Quiz

If you agree that "brevity is the soul of wit", you probably enjoy

a. long jokes

b. short jokes

c. spiritual jokes
a) long jokes b) short jokes c) spiritual jokes

See Saying of the Day today

Contributor: Josef Essberger