You can't pretend to be witty because wit is dry, subtle, lacerating, cynical, elitist, and risque - all impossible to fake. Humor, on the other hand, is broad, soothing, positive, inclusive, and smutty - to make sure everybody gets it. Pretending to be humorous is easy, and a great many people are doing it.

Florence King’s quote draws a distinction between wit and humor, explaining that wit is a sharp, subtle, and often cynical form of humor that requires genuine intellect and cannot be easily imitated. She argues that wit is inherently elitist and risqué, qualities that make it difficult to fake. In contrast, humor is described as broad, positive, and inclusive, designed to appeal to a wider audience. King highlights that while wit is complex and challenging to replicate, humor is more accessible and can be pretended, making it easier for many people to adopt a humorous persona, even without true comedic skill.

The origin of this perspective stems from King’s own writing, where she often displayed a sharp, critical wit in her essays and commentary. As an author and social critic, King valued the authenticity of wit and understood its nuances. Her observation about pretending to be humorous reflects her view that true wit cannot be fabricated—it requires a certain intellectual depth and an understanding of subtlety, which cannot be mimicked by simply trying to be funny or broad.

King’s differentiation between wit and humor also suggests a commentary on society’s perceptions of humor, where humor is often seen as a more universally acceptable form of entertainment, while wit is reserved for a select, more discerning audience. She implies that while people may often fake humor to fit in or be liked, the genuine sharpness of wit is less commonly attempted, since it is more difficult and carries a level of elitism or social critique that might alienate others.

Ultimately, Florence King’s quote reflects her belief in the integrity and intellectual depth required for true wit, while recognizing that humor, being more accessible, is often used as a tool for inclusivity. King suggests that while it’s easy to pretend to be funny, authentic wit is rare and demands true sophistication and self-awareness, making it an art form that cannot be easily replicated.