Will’s word of the week

A good word at the right time is worth more than, well, lots of words at the wrong time, especially if that just-right word is witty. That’s where this week’s word comes in, waltzing in the room wearing its metaphorical three-piece suit, cracking that irresistible literary smile and then telling a witty tale or two.

Such a stylish word is facetious (pronounced “fa-see-shus”). Facetious is an adjective meaning witty, humorous or amusing; something or someone who is facetious is characterized by pleasant joke-making, or jocularity, according to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED).

The word comes from the French facétieux, from facétie, meaning “jest,” from the Latin facētia, from facētus, meaning “witty.”

The first recorded use of the word in English, in its original meaning as something polished or agreeable in style and manners, was used by Henry Chettle in Kind Harts Dreame in 1592. Chettle is the Elizabethan playwright known for calling Shakespeare an “upstart Crow,” but he later made peace with the Bard and had kind words for him in the aforementioned work. The line in question is, “His facetious grace in writting which approoues his art” (referring, mostly likely, to Shakespeare).

As dutifully noted by the OED, the first use of the modern form of the word came in 1605, in William Camden’s Remaines of a Greater Worke Concerning Britaine, with the line, “It was then thought facetious.” Camden was an Oxford historian and writer known for helping develop the modern study of history. Appropriately enough, his history of Elizabeth I’s reign is of particular use to modern historians.

Finally, the first use of the word in reference to people can be found in 1599, in Ben Jonson’s The Fountaine of Selfe-love, or Cynthia’s Revels, with the line, “My sweet facetious rascall.” Jonson was an English dramatist second in caliber only to Shakespeare. Cynthia’s Revels (modernized spelling) was a satirical play written for child actors during an intense period of competition among prolific playwrights.

So the next time you struggle to find just the right word, let yourself be inspired by the likes of Chettle, Camden and Jonson — and be facetious. Think before you speak and reflect on the many facetious columns you’ve read. Meanwhile, please feel free to send me your word, and until next time, cheers!