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Gracious Word: Esprit de l'escalier

6/28/2014

 
Esprit de l'escalier
Word every Gracious Individual should know: Esprit de I'escalier

Definition: Esprit de I'escalier (pronounced: e-SPREE des-kal-i-YE); French; noun
1. Used to refer to the fact that a witty remark or retort often comes to mind after the opportunity to make it has passed, 'staircase wit'

Why I love this word:
The meaning of the 'staircase wit' refers to the event when you've had a creative discussion with someone, and in that moment you simply couldn't clearly think of a response until you got to the bottom of the stairs. We're all witty in our own rights. It's just that many of us think of our clever remarks a bit too late. 

Photograph by Justin Chung


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    Gracious Words

    With the Word of the Day and the Monthly Book Club, this page is for the intellectual reader or for anyone who wants to improve their vocabulary.

    As intellectuals, having a remarkable vocabulary speaks measures. Knowing the right words sharpens communication skills and opens minds to help express ourselves better whether in our personal or professional lives. Practice these Words of the Day and join in on the conversation. 


    Unless indicated ©Mariya Dondonyan, most photos on this page are works of other photographers. I believe in giving credit where credit is due, so every post recognizes the source where the photographs were found. If at anytime you see work that is improperly recognized, please send me a quick note and I will update the information. 
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