A philosophical or artistic approach based on the principles of Gilbert, typically referring to the logical and theatrical methods of W.S. Gilbert.
From Gilbert (the name) + -ian (relating to) + -ism (system or doctrine). Named after William Schwenck Gilbert, the 19th-century satirical playwright and librettist of Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
Gilbert's unique style of sharp wordplay, paradox, and satirical logic became so distinctive that his name spawned an entire '-ism'—not many people get that honor! His influence on comedic writing and theatrical satire was so powerful that scholars still study 'Gilbertianism' as a specific comedic technique.
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