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Literary notes about facetious (AI summary)

In literature, "facetious" is employed to describe a manner of humor that is simultaneously playful, ironic, and sometimes irreverent. Writers often use the term to indicate a light-hearted or deliberately tongue-in-cheek tone, whether in personal correspondence, social commentary, or narrative dialogue. For instance, it characterizes witty editorials and satirical remarks that contrast with more earnest sentiments [1], while also capturing the whimsical nature of a character’s communication [2] or behavior [3]. At times, the word highlights the author's subtle use of humor to critique social conventions or to add a layer of irony to serious topics, demonstrating its versatile function in literary expression.
  1. The local papers had taken it up, and daily there appeared columns of learned criticisms, facetious editorials, and serious letters from subscribers.
    — from Martin Eden by Jack London
  2. I was amused at the facetious tone of his letter and also at the whimsical nature of his request.
    — from The Extraordinary Adventures of Arsène Lupin, Gentleman-Burglar by Maurice Leblanc
  3. And, with that, aunty gave George a nudge with her finger, designed to be immensely facetious, and turned again to her griddle with great briskness.
    — from Uncle Tom's Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe

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