Example of wit

'Wit' commonly means the ability to express oneself in interesting and frequently amusing and concise ways, often describing people, situations and events in terms one might not generally use in the context. For example:

He is noted for his wit; he's always an amusing companion.

She has a very sharp wit; if you aren't careful, you'll find yourself laughing aloud at the wrong moments!

It was an interesting meeting, with several witty speakers.

She's considered great fun, one of the wittiest people in her field.

In the plural, 'wits' mean 'common sense'; the ability to think, speak and behave sensibly. For example:

She's very highly-educated, but has no wits at all.

We must keep our wits sharp in this difficult situation.

He's brainy, but short on wits.

I was scared out of my wits: I just couldn't think straight.

In the formal, or legal, sense, '(to) wit' means namely; (that is to) say. For example:

We need to consider two factors here; to wit: was he present, and if so, when.

Do you feel the sentence, to wit, four years' jail, reflects the severity of the crime?

Wit is also an archaic form of the verb, (to) know.

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The following are examples of wit attributed to British politician Sir Winston Churchill (1874-1965):

• (A politician needs) the ability to foretell what is going to happen tomorrow, next week, next month, and next year. And to have the ability afterwards to explain why it didn't happen.
• (Clement Attlee is) a modest man, but then, he has so much to be modest about.
• I am fond of pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals.
• However beautiful the strategy, you should occasionally look at the results.
• Man will occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of the time he will pick himself up and continue on.
• You can always count on Americans to do the right thing - after they've tried everything else.
• In response to Bessie Braddock, who said, 'Winston, you are drunk, and what's more, you are disgustingly drunk.': 'Bessie, my dear, you are ugly, and what's more, you are disgustingly ugly. But tomorrow I shall be sober, and you shall still be disgustingly ugly.'
• Lady Astor told Churchill, 'If you were my husband, I'd poison your tea." He replied "Madam, if you were my wife I would drink it.'
• Of Churchill, Lady Astor is said to have suggested in response to a question about possible disguises for a masquerade ball, 'Why don't you come sober, Prime Minister?'