translation - Is there an English term for "L'esprit de l'escalier"?


L'esprit de l'escalier or l'esprit d'escalier (literally, staircase wit) is a French term that describes the predicament of thinking of the perfect comeback too late.


Merriam-Webster dictionary defines it as follows:



Definition:


A witty remark thought of too late, on the way home; the clever comment you wish you had delivered


Example:


"When he bragged about sleeping like a baby, I should have added the bit about waking up crying every two hours, but that's just esprit de l'escalier. At the time I just nodded and said nothing."



Is there an English term for that?



Answer



English speakers sometimes call this escalator wit.


Afterwit can also be a synonym for this concept, with forewit as its antonym.


Definition of afterwit in Wiktionary:





  1. Wisdom which comes after the event.


    After-wits are dearly bought, Let thy fore-wit guide thy thought. ― Southwell.
    There is no recalling what’s gone and past; so that afterwit comes too late, when the mischief is done. — L’Estrange




  2. The lack of forethought.


    This week I am fearing afterwit as I create the outline for my next novel ... — Grace Tierney, 2010
    One good forewit is worth two afterwits. — Saying/Proverb




  3. A good comeback one thinks of after leaving a social gathering.





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