According to Collins English Dictionary wit is "the talent or quality of using unexpected associations between contrasting or disparate words or ideas to make a clever humorous effect", it is more intellectual than straightforward humour which can include slapstick. An epigram is "a witty, often paradoxical remark, concisely expressed". The Importance of being Earnest is a play overflowing with both epigrams and wit. The title itself is a play on the words Ernest and earnest. There are so many examples of Wilde's "mastery of epigram and the audacity and polish of his wit" that, unfortunately, only a few can be used to illustrate this essay. They can be grouped into four main types: play on words, opposite to what is expected or accepted (paradox), other epigrams and plain wit.

According to Webster's Encyclopedic Dictionary wit is "the ability to relate seemingly unlike things so as to illuminate or amuse", it is more intellectual than straightforward humour which can include slapstick. An epigram is "a brief witty saying"

I.8:79 Jack: "The Divorce Court was specially invented for people whose memories are so curiously constituted". Algy's reply (9:82) is an example of an opposite:

II.59.381 Algernon: "It is perfectly childish to be in deep mourning for a man who is actually staying for a whole week in your house as a guest."

Some common words found in the essay are:
Gwendolen Outside, Importance Earnest, Encyclopedic Dictionary, English Dictionary, I33611 Algernon, I865 Algernon, Gwendolen Mamma, Cecily Algernon, III92204 Lady, I16249 Algernon, epigram audacity polish, epigram audacity, wilde's mastery epigram, mastery epigram, ernest earnest, play words, polish wit, audacity polish, audacity polish wit, wilde's mastery, mastery epigram audacity, straightforward humour include, slapstick epigram, humour include, include slapstick,
Approximate Word count = 2029
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)