What Is Treppenwitz?

Treppenwitz is a German word that describes “that flash of genius you get for a clever comeback after the opportunity has passed.”

One example of Treppenwitz might occur after a job interview when the interviewer did all the talking, barely looked at you and kept checking his watch and then as the interviewer is shaking your hand good-bye, he says “It was really great meeting you!” In the moment, although you’re taken aback by the sudden enthusiasm, you say something like “Thank you. It was my pleasure.” But your moment of Treppenwitz comes later when you realize you COULD have said “Meeting me? I didn’t think you knew I was in the room!”

Not that I suggest you ever do that. But oh there are times when it would be so gratifying, wouldn’t it?

[Definition contributed by perri, one of my wonderful readers. Thanks perri! See also Schadenfreude.]

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