Wildean

American  

[wahyl-dee-uhn] / ˈwaɪl di ən /

adjective

1. of, pertaining to, characteristic of, or resembling the literary style of Oscar Wilde.

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Etymology

Origin of Wildean

First recorded in 1920–25; Wilde + -an

Example Sentences

His badinage is hardly Wildean, but his put-downs, honed to the sharpness of stilettos, are many people’s idea of fun.

From Salon • May 8, 2024

"Whether you enjoy this show as a star vehicle, a Wildean debate on morality versus self-expression, or a cutting-edge piece of mixed-media art, it's an extraordinary event."

From BBC • Feb. 16, 2024

Stoppard himself liked to say, in Wildean style, “I should have the courage of my lack of convictions.”

From New York Times • Sep. 7, 2022

But "Liaisons" is an over-the-top melodrama, with passions so grand and dialogue so brittle and Wildean that if the actors don't generate genuine, palpable chemistry, they become caricatures.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 6, 2017

Blur had released Girls & Boys, Jarvis Cocker was doing his Wildean rake thing and Keanu Reeves was ripping it up at the box office.

From The Guardian • Apr. 22, 2017