When I was 16 years old, I took a field trip with my high school drama class to go see Wicked live at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre.
I’ve been belting “Popular” and “Dancing Through Life” in the shower ever since.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you know the movie version hit cinemas a few months ago. True to the play, their language, known as Ozian, is not just engaging but enchanting too.
So, how can you take a page from the book of Wicked and infuse your writing with a bit of that fantastical flair?
Why Whimsey Works
Whimsy in language isn’t just for children’s books and Broadway musicals. It’s a secret weapon for marketers, founders, and writers who want to be unforgettable. As part of your verbal identity, whimsy can be:
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Playfully quaint and a little absurd. Think Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter—delightfully airy, but always intriguing.
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A mix of joyful innocence and charming oddness. It makes people smile before they even realize why like with the Alice in Wonderland cast.
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A linguistic way of winking. Your audience leans in because they feel the fun like with Dr. Seuss & Roald Dahl.