Turning Words on their Head with Asteismus

Roopa Banerjee

“Can you lend me a hand?”
“Sure, but I might need it back later.”

This playful exchange of words between two speakers presents a typical example of asteismus, a witty retort or banter where a word or phrase is used in a meaning different from its original use, often in a humorous and ironic way. The subtlety of asteismus lies in how the response reinterprets or twists the initial question or statement.

Asteismus has its roots in ancient Greek and is derived from the word asteios, meaning city-bred or polished, in reference to the refined, sophisticated humour typical of city-dwellers. The ancient Greeks valued this type of wit as a mark of sophistication and intellect. Over time, it evolved to describe a specific type of repartee that plays on double meanings of words. In English literature, asteismus was adopted to describe witty banter that turns on wordplay, particularly when the second speaker humorously reinterprets or subverts the first speaker’s words.

The use of asteismus in literature allows writers to craft clever dialogue that reveals characters’ intellect, mood, and interpersonal dynamics. Some of the most iconic examples are from classical literature and well-known plays.

In Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, asteismus is frequently used, particularly in witty exchanges between characters. A notable instance is between Maria and Sir Andrew Aguecheek:

Maria: “My purpose is, indeed, a horse of that colour.”
Sir Andrew: “And your horse now would make him an ass.”

Maria uses a phrase which means something of the same kind, and Sir Andrew humorously twists it into a literal image, turning it into a quip about foolishness. The repartee is not just amusing but also revealing of Sir Andrew’s foolishness, as he doesn’t fully understand the complexity of Maria’s wordplay.

Similarly, Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest was a masterpiece of witty dialogue, often using asteismus to entertain and comment on societal norms. In one scene, Gwendolen and Cecily engage in verbal sparring:

Gwendolen: “You have filled my tea with lumps of sugar, and though I ask most distinctly for bread and butter, you have given me cake.”
Cecily: “I am sorry. But I thought you liked cake.”

The humour arises from Cecily’s feigned innocence and literal interpretation of Gwendolen’s remark, twisting her words to expose the absurdity of the situation. Wilde use asteismus to subtly critique the pretensions of the upper class.

Asteismus isn’t confined to classic literature. It’s alive and well in modern pop culture, especially in TV shows and films. In the popular sitcom Friends, asteismus is often used to create comedic tension. A classic exchange between Chandler and Joey:

Chandler: “Do you know what’s a great icebreaker?”
Joey: “Is it ice?”

Here, Joey takes Chandler’s metaphorical ‘icebreaker’ and interprets it literally, subverting the original meaning with a naive but humorous response.

However, asteismus is more than just a tool to convey wit and humour in literature and cinema. For example, in Shakespeare’s work, asteismus often signals a character’s superiority in intelligence or social standing. Characters who successfully engage in wordplay are frequently portrayed as more refined, while those who misunderstand or bungle it (like Sir Andrew in Twelfth Night) are cast as less capable.

Whether in the pages of Shakespeare or the banter of sitcoms, asteismus continues to charm audiences with its playful twist on language and meaning.

Exercise
Here are five books that generously use asteismus. Guess their authors.

Books