Definition

Proper noun * Robert Benchley: An American humorist, actor, and writer, known for his witty essays, theatrical reviews, and short comedy films. (1889–1945)

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The essay's dry, self-deprecating style was reminiscent of Robert Benchley.
  • He studied the comedic timing of Robert Benchley in old film shorts.

Advanced Usage

• The name Robert Benchley is often used to represent a specific style of early 20th-century American humor characterized by gentle irony, parody of everyday frustrations, and a persona of bemused confusion.

Variants and Related Words

• Benchleyesque (adj): Resembling or characteristic of the humor of Robert Benchley.
  • The article was a Benchleyesque take on the perils of modern technology.

Synonyms

• Humorist, wit, essayist, comedian.

Related Idioms or Phrases

• While not a direct idiom, the phrase "Benchley's Law" is sometimes humorously cited, referring to his observation: "There are two kinds of people in the world: those who divide the world into two kinds of people, and those who don't."

Noun

1. United States humorist (1889-1945)