Treppenwitz in job search?
Treppenwitz is a wonderful German word that describes “that flash of genius you get for a clever comeback after the opportunity has passed you by.”
One example of Treppenwitz from the job search world might occur after a job interview where the interviewer did all the talking, barely looking at you as they kept checking their mobile phone and watch. Then as he shakes your hand good-bye, he smiles and says “It was really great meeting you!”
Although you’re taken aback by his sudden show of enthusiasm, you just say something polite like “Thank you. It was my pleasure.” But your moment of Treppenwitz comes later when you realize you COULD have said “Meeting me? I didn’t think you knew I was in the room!”
Not that I suggest you ever do that. But oh there are times when it would feel so great, wouldn’t it?
[For another cool German word see also Schadenfreude.]
ALSO: In French, l’esprit de l’escalier (staircase wit).
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[Article updated in 2020]
Treppenwitz is literally “wisdom of the staircase” which is borrowed from the French “esprit de l’escalier”.
Yes. Exactly. Thanks for adding that, Richard. The idea is you realize what you could have said after you’ve left and are already on the stairs (or wherever) on your way out!