Bunburying: An Academic Exploration

Bunburying is a term used to describe the act of avoiding responsibilities by pretending to have appointments with a fictitious person. This term was popularized by Oscar Wilde in his play “The Importance of Being Earnest”. Bunburying can involve using the time gained from avoiding responsibilities to engage in licentious and immoral acts. The term Bunburying can also be used more broadly to refer to getting out of commitments by pretending to visit a problematic or sick friend or family member.

Key Facts

  1. Bunburying is a humorous term used to describe the act of avoiding responsibilities by pretending to have appointments with a fictitious person.
  2. The term Bunburying was popularized by Oscar Wilde in his play “The Importance of Being Earnest”.
  3. Bunburying can involve using the time gained from avoiding responsibilities to engage in licentious and immoral acts.
  4. The term Bunburying can also be used more broadly to refer to getting out of commitments by pretending to visit a problematic or sick friend or family member.

Etymology of Bunburying

The term Bunburying is derived from the name of a character in Oscar Wilde’s play “The Importance of Being Earnest”. In the play, the character Algernon Moncrieff invents a sick friend named Bunbury as an excuse to avoid social engagements. The term Bunburying has since come to be used more broadly to refer to any act of avoiding responsibilities by pretending to have appointments with a fictitious person.

Bunburying in Literature

Bunburying has been a popular theme in literature since the time of Oscar Wilde. In addition to “The Importance of Being Earnest”, Bunburying has been featured in works by authors such as P.G. Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh, and Dorothy Parker. In these works, Bunburying is often used as a comedic device to satirize the social conventions of the upper classes.

Bunburying in Modern Society

Bunburying is still practiced in modern society, although it is less common than it was in the past. This is likely due to the fact that it is now easier to communicate with people and make appointments, thanks to the advent of technology. However, Bunburying can still be a useful tool for people who need to get out of commitments without causing offense.

Conclusion

Bunburying is a term that has been used for centuries to describe the act of avoiding responsibilities by pretending to have appointments with a fictitious person. The term was popularized by Oscar Wilde in his play “The Importance of Being Earnest”, and it has since been used in literature and popular culture to satirize the social conventions of the upper classes. Bunburying is still practiced in modern society, although it is less common than it was in the past.

References

FAQs

What is Bunburying?

Bunburying is a humorous term used to describe the act of avoiding responsibilities by pretending to have appointments with a fictitious person.

Where does the term Bunburying come from?

The term Bunburying was popularized by Oscar Wilde in his play “The Importance of Being Earnest”. In the play, the character Algernon Moncrieff invents a sick friend named Bunbury as an excuse to avoid social engagements.

What are some examples of Bunburying?

Bunburying can involve using the time gained from avoiding responsibilities to engage in licentious and immoral acts. It can also be used more broadly to refer to getting out of commitments by pretending to visit a problematic or sick friend or family member.

Is Bunburying still practiced today?

Bunburying is still practiced in modern society, although it is less common than it was in the past. This is likely due to the fact that it is now easier to communicate with people and make appointments, thanks to the advent of technology.

What are some synonyms for Bunburying?

Some synonyms for Bunburying include:

  • Skiving
  • Shirking
  • Malingering
  • Goldbricking
  • Slacking off

What are some antonyms for Bunburying?

Some antonyms for Bunburying include:

  • Working
  • Toiling
  • Laboring
  • Striving
  • Hustling

Is Bunburying ethical?

The ethics of Bunburying are debatable. Some people believe that it is always wrong to lie, even to avoid an unpleasant obligation. Others believe that Bunburying is acceptable in some situations, such as when the obligation is truly onerous or when the person has a more important commitment.

What are some tips for Bunburying successfully?

If you are going to Bunbury, it is important to be prepared. Here are a few tips:

  • Make sure your story is believable.
  • Be consistent with your story.
  • Don’t overdo it.
  • Be prepared to face the consequences if you are caught.