Whimsy and Weirdness

Whimsy. Weird. One means light, fun, fanciful. The other means odd, strange, bizarre. I would argue that defining something/someone as “weird” or “whimsical” is super subjective and that, often, they go beautifully together. 

A recent article in the New York Times’ “Well” newsletter supports this assertion. In it, the author lists several qualities of a happy life. #1 is Create weird rituals. The example cited is a behavioral scientist who always places birthday candles in a baked meatloaf before serving it, and has his dinner guests then merrily sing “Happy Meatloaf to You!” I hope he alerts his company to this weird ritual beforehand, because otherwise he might risk eating meatloaf alone for the rest of his life.

Pretending a meatloaf is a chocolate layer cake certainly qualifies as weird—but also whimsical, especially if the scientist insists on everyone wearing little party hats. That is the only weird ritual described in the article, but I’m sure there are tons more. Adults who don bulbous red clown noses when attending church. Job applicants who list “Pig Latin” as their second language. Folks who make their beds on the floor, and use their actual beds as nightstands. Families who enjoy barking and chasing cars in the neighborhood. Be honest, don’t you do some of these yourself? I know I do!  And they (the church clown nose and the car-chasing) definitely boost my happiness, even as they deeply trouble my neighbors.

The same day I read the Happy Life article, I stumbled upon a TikTok comment thread replying to a TikTokian request for “silly, fun things you say and do!” Well, talk about whimsical AND weird! Someone says she’ll only criticize herself using a Cockney accent. Another, having made a mess, responds by muttering "and...scene!” as if she’s directing a movie starring a clumsy goofball. Ordering an item for yourself from Amazon and filling in “is this a gift?” with the message: “I deserve a little treat!” Telling your pet hamster not to answer the door while you’re away.

Aren’t these adorable? I mean, I wouldn’t go as far as telling my unwashed dishes “it’s bath time!” but that’s only because Steve does all the dishes in our house. And I don’t say “thanks—good to know!” when Siri responds, but that’s only because I have no idea how to use Siri. Otherwise, they’re solid suggestions, sure to gain me a wide reputation for being madcap.

However, just because one CAN be weird and whimsical, doesn’t mean it’s always a good idea. Would you trust an offbeat (get it?) police officer (“I have you clocked going 450 miles per hour! Or maybe my clock is broken! Haha!”)? How about choosing a funeral director (“We thought Grandma would look better wearing ‘fake glasses and mustache’ at her viewing!”)?

I guess it’s really only safe to be a W and W sort if you're a comedian, or you don’t mind if your friends think you’re crazy.

Luckily, I qualify on both counts.