Clerihews

/ˈklɛrɪhjuːz/ noun

Definition

A short, humorous biographical poem with a loose rhyme scheme and irregular meter, typically about a famous person.

Etymology

Named after Edmund Clerihew Bentley (1875-1956), an English writer who invented this poetic form. The word emerged in the early 20th century as Bentley's playful verses gained popularity.

Kelly Says

Edmund Clerihew Bentley literally invented a poetic form and it got named after his middle name—imagine creating something so distinctive that the English language permanently incorporates your name, but not your first name!

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