Painterly jester mask and curled party horn with scattered confetti against bright pink.

Original artwork, not a still

Wilson Mizner

I can usually judge a fellow by what he laughs at.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker treats a person’s sense of humour as a clue to their character. What someone finds funny can reveal sympathies, prejudices or cruelty. Watching their laughter, the speaker suggests, can therefore tell you more than their claims about themselves.

Context reviewed

Share this quote