Wildean

[ wahyl-dee-uhn ]

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of Wildean¹

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

There, the Wildean axiom “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” is viscerally felt — and it’s a sentiment that pulses through the cultural blood of the city.

From New York Times

"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

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

From New York Times

Gadsby briefly mentioned Oscar Wilde, and though she dismissed any connection, a chief source of her wit is the Wildean inversion of social norms.

From Los Angeles Times