Causerie
Encyclopedia
Causerie is a literary style of short informal essays mostly unknown in the English-speaking world
. A causerie is generally short, light and humorous and is often published as a newspaper column
(although it is not defined by its format). Often causerie is a current opinion piece, but it contains more verbal acrobatics and humor than a regular opinion or column. In English, causerie is usually known as "personal story", "funny story" or "column" instead.
The causerie style is characterized by a personal approach to the reader; the writer "babbles" to the reader, from which the term derives. Language jokes, hyperbole
, intentional disregard of linguistic and stylistic norms, and other absurd or humorous elements are permitted. For example, in causerie about a politician, he can be placed in an imagined situation. Sentences are usually kept short, avoiding over-explaining, and room is left for the reader to read between the lines.
The content of causerie is not limited and it may be satire
, parody
, opinion, factual or straight fiction. Causerie is not defined by content or format, but style.
English language
English is a West Germanic language that arose in the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England and spread into what was to become south-east Scotland under the influence of the Anglian medieval kingdom of Northumbria...
. A causerie is generally short, light and humorous and is often published as a newspaper column
Columnist
A columnist is a journalist who writes for publication in a series, creating an article that usually offers commentary and opinions. Columns appear in newspapers, magazines and other publications, including blogs....
(although it is not defined by its format). Often causerie is a current opinion piece, but it contains more verbal acrobatics and humor than a regular opinion or column. In English, causerie is usually known as "personal story", "funny story" or "column" instead.
The causerie style is characterized by a personal approach to the reader; the writer "babbles" to the reader, from which the term derives. Language jokes, hyperbole
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech. It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is not meant to be taken literally....
, intentional disregard of linguistic and stylistic norms, and other absurd or humorous elements are permitted. For example, in causerie about a politician, he can be placed in an imagined situation. Sentences are usually kept short, avoiding over-explaining, and room is left for the reader to read between the lines.
The content of causerie is not limited and it may be satire
Satire
Satire is primarily a literary genre or form, although in practice it can also be found in the graphic and performing arts. In satire, vices, follies, abuses, and shortcomings are held up to ridicule, ideally with the intent of shaming individuals, and society itself, into improvement...
, parody
Parody
A parody , in current usage, is an imitative work created to mock, comment on, or trivialise an original work, its subject, author, style, or some other target, by means of humorous, satiric or ironic imitation...
, opinion, factual or straight fiction. Causerie is not defined by content or format, but style.