I was workshopping a limerick where the author's note defined "thespian" as "actors (or actresses) who like each other."

I checked OED and all 20 dictionaries listed in Onelook and couldn't find that definition. Does anyone know if that is an accepted definition of "thespian?"

I've always seen it used as a synonym for actor. Maybe they are confusing the term with lesbian.

Either confusing, or trying to make a joke.

Oh...heck. I had to admit my ignorance on OEDILF, and I will have to do so here as well. It was apparently a joke that the author had figured everyone would get. In all fairness to me, I had asked the author about that definition in the workshop, and and he had said: "Another definition of 'thespian' is an actor who likes other actors." I believed him and started to search...

BTW, here is the limerick and author's note:

Will my thespian dream come about?
I don’t know; I’m beginning to doubt.
Tell me, what now will cause it
To burst from the closet?
I guess I should just act it out.

Author's Note: In psychiatry, act out means to put unconscious desires into action. Thespians, as you may know, are actors who like other actors.

~ David Schildkret

Sorry for the post! I suppose we could carry on and talk about the Greek etymology of the word.

As I said on OEDILF, sometimes I shouldn't even bother getting up in the morning...

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kalleh,

Could it be some sort of "Thesbian" joke? It almost has to be, with the "closet" and "out", but it doesn't really work from a comedic or literary stance, and though I don't really participate in the OEDILF, it doesn't work for me limerickally either.

You are so right, Sean, now that I read that limerick again. Sometimes I can get mesmerized by all the praising workshoppers, and I am afraid that happened in this case. It has the number of approvals needed and is awaiting confirmation. Oh well! I completely missed the "thespian" joke (if that's what you call it)...so it obviously wasn't up my alley in the first place.