Meaning of Wodehousian | Babel Free

Definitions

Of or pertaining to P. G. Wodehouse (1881–1975), English writer and humorist known for his eccentric half-witted characters and excellent prose.

Examples

“Wodehousian farce, like⟳ all other kinds of farce — like⟳ most comedy, for that matter⟳ — nurses a deep suspicion that the ability to reason⟳ is an overrated gift, and what counts in farce is not originality of meaning but freshness of image.”

“Wigs on the Green, originally published in 1935, is Nancy Mitford's third novel. Like⟳ its predecessors, it is a light⟳, accomplished comedy of manners, complete⟳ with Wodehousian conventions of a rich heiress, rivals in love⟳, legacies from an aunt, broken engagements, assumed identities and a happy ending.”

“Translating a Cornish village during the Napoleonic wars to a vaguely Wodehousian 1920s ambience provides a bit of incidental fun […]”

“On the coach the next morning, James shows a Wodehousian ability to find⟳ alternatives to the verb “to go”: “Let’s slowly trickle along”, “I think⟳ we could race⟳ back now”, “We might just wander⟳ up for a look⟳”.”

“The Wodehousian way is the ability to effortlessly expand⟳ characters, trivialities and plots and exaggerate the mundane to great comic or catastrophic effect.”

“Traipsing through this farce is the most Wodehousian character of all, Alexander Boris de Pfeffel Johnson, a 54-year-old dishevelled blond toff with a talent for leaping into action precisely when his country needs him least.”

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