Karinthy

Karinthy refers most often to Frigyes Karinthy, a Hungarian writer, poet, journalist, and translator who lived from 1887 to 1938. He is regarded as a central figure in early 20th-century Hungarian literature, known for his sharp wit, linguistic play, and concise, satirical prose. Karinthy contributed to the influential literary magazine Nyugat and produced a diverse body of work that ranged from humorous sketches to essays and parodies, often exploring modern urban life, language, and social norms.

One of Karinthy’s most enduring legacies is his role in popularizing the idea that all people are connected by a short chain of acquaintances. In a 1929 short story, he proposed that any two individuals can be linked through no more than six intermediaries, a concept that later became known as the six degrees of separation. This idea influenced sociology, network theory, and popular culture, and it prefigured later research into social connectivity and small-world phenomena.

Among Karinthy’s best-known works is Tanár úr, kérem (Please, Sir), a collection of humorous pieces that showcase his knack for linguistic invention and social satire. His writing is characterized by economy of form, playful wordplay, and a persistent inquiry into human behavior. Karinthy’s influence extended beyond Hungary, helping to shape modern Hungarian humor and contributing to broader European literary trends in the interwar period.