Comedy Quote by William Strunk Jr. E.B. White
““Nothing becomes funny by being labelled so.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Elements of Style, 1918
Labeling something as “funny” can diminish its inherent humor, as humor relies on perception, not categorization.
In simple terms: Labels can kill humor.
Key Takeaway
Avoid over‑labeling jokes.
Themes
language
humor
perception
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
literary
educational
When to use this quote
- writing workshops
- public speaking
- media critique
- social media
Key Concepts
communication theory
semantic framing
Questions to Reflect On
- Why does labeling affect comedic impact?
- How can you preserve humor without labeling?
A Different Perspective
May overlook context of humor.
