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

Such Wildean bon-mots as “I’m in mortal combat with this wallpaper” or “I’m dying beyond my means,” receive special delivery from Everett.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 9, 2018

Perhaps Mr. Martin is attempting Wildean social satire in “Meteor Shower”: Beneath its hard shell it is fundamentally about the vulnerability of marriage.

From New York Times • Nov. 29, 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