Final answer:
Comic diction is the use of humorous word choices and expressions to entertain and amuse the audience in a comedic piece of writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
Comic diction refers to the choice of words and style of expression that a writer uses in a comedic context. This type of diction contributes to the humorous aspects of a narrative or dialogue, often through the use of puns, exaggerated expressions, sarcasm, and other forms of wit. The aim of comic diction is to invoke laughter and entertain the audience while still conveying the intended message.
Comic diction is essential in creating characters which represent "the Ludicrous," a concept described as a form of ugliness that is not painful or destructive but rather amusing or laughable. For example, a comic writer might use a character's exaggerated, bumbling speech or include specific word choices that seem out of place or nonsensical, in order to create a comedic effect.
The diction of a comedy can vary greatly, depending on the historical context and the author's stylistic choices. For instance, in Shakespeare's time, the diction included many archaic words and phrases that are not widely in use today, which can add to the humor when contemporary audiences encounter them.