The word zany is derived from the name of Zanni, a stock character in an improvisational genre of Italian theater, beginning in the 1500s, called commedia dell’arte. Zanni specialized in mimic the actions of other characters on stage, but did so in an exaggerated manner, to point out the absurdities hidden within what would otherwise be presented as normal behavior. Zanni possessed a certain mischievous intelligence, but also could also get into trouble because of his tendency to follow his original perspective and surging impulses to extreme conclusions.
People often identify others’ behavior as zany, but without considering the emotional motivations behind zany actions. The emotion comes first, however. It takes a zany feeling to behave in a zany way.
A zany mood is a reaction against the straightjacket of normality. It is an unpredictable, rebellious emotion that looks at the world from a bent angle, with a keen eye for the hollow spaces that typically underlie puffed up performances of self-importance. When we’re feeling zany, we look for opportunities to engage in eccentric behavior, not caring for the brittle comfort that conformity affords. We follow the twisted line of free associations and double meanings that appear before us as they come, clever and idiotic at the same time.
A zany emotion comes upon us when we grow tired of following the stiff rules that have been established to protect the interests of the powerful. It’s a trickster character that resides within each one of us, eager to be free from all constraints, internal and external, and have fun making fun of the dull-witted world around us.
