vis comica

Definition

Comic force.

Etymology

Originating from an inaccurate interpretation of verses attributed to Julius Caesar: “Lenibus atque utinam scriptis adiuncta foret vis, Comica ut aequato virtus polleret honore Cum Graecis …”. An erroneous interpunction lead to mistaking cōmica as tied to vīs rather than to virtūs.

Example Sentences

• "Also Steiner tells of someone who claimed that the comic elements comes about when someone has the vis comica, or "power of being comical." Again - the dormitive principle at work."