Drolly
Drolly describes a manner or action characterized by a dry, whimsical, or subtly amusing sense of humor. It often involves unexpected or offbeat observations, a slight detachment, and a playful undercurrent that can evoke amusement without being overtly boisterous. A person behaving drolly might make witty remarks, employ a deadpan expression, or engage in gently ironic behavior, creating a subtle comedic effect that is often appreciated for its cleverness and understated charm. The humor derives from the unexpectedness and often understated delivery.
Drolly meaning with examples
- The comedian, known for his drolly delivered anecdotes about everyday life, kept the audience chuckling. He’d recount mundane experiences with a completely straight face, highlighting the absurdities in a way that felt both relatable and unexpectedly funny. His drolly humorous style, relying on timing and understatement, made his performances highly anticipated and consistently enjoyable. He was a master of the art of subtle humor.
- Despite the seriousness of the situation, the detective couldn't help but make a drolly sarcastic remark about the suspect’s elaborate alibi. The remark, a dry observation of a situation, lightened the tension, providing a moment of levity amidst the otherwise grim investigation. It also reflected his sharp wit and knack for finding the humor in even the darkest circumstances.
- During the board meeting, when discussing the dismal quarterly results, Sarah drolly commented, 'Well, at least we can all claim we’ve perfected the art of underperforming.' Her comment, spoken with a perfectly straight face, elicited a wave of suppressed laughter. Her humor, delivered at the most unexpected moment, eased the tension.
- He answered the phone and with a drolly voice said 'Acme funeral home, you stab 'em, we slab 'em'. His delivery made it instantly clear that he didn't take his job seriously and was, in fact, pretty funny. This drolly humor contrasted starkly with the job itself, and the contrast served to underline how unique his style was, making him memorable.
- She looked at the mess of dishes piled high in the sink and, with a drolly raised eyebrow, stated, 'Well, it looks like my dishwasher is on strike. Time to enlist some help, or maybe order pizza.'
