Aphorisms Competition

You are invited to enter the King's English Society's new Aphorisms Competition with original, pithy observations of general truths. The competition will be judged by aphorism writer extraordinaire Robert Eddison who notes that “Wordplay, like any game, should be taken seriously.”

The competition is open to all. Entry is free of charge.

The winner will receive a prize of £50 and the runner-up £25.

Each entrant may submit one aphorism not previously published or currently submitted for publication elsewhere. Please keep copies as those entered will not be returned.

Entries should be sent with your contact details and the reference 'Aphorisms Competition' by 15 September 2026, by post to Aphorisms Competition, King's English Society, The Clock Tower, 5-02 St Pancras Chambers, Euston Road. London NW1 2AR or by email to

enquiries@kingsenglishsociety.org 

Results will be announced on the Society's website and other social media platforms on 5 October 2026 and the winning entries as well as other entries of note will be published in the winter 2026 issue of Quest.

Robert Eddison is a leading aphorist and former journalist. He started writing aphorisms in 1997 and has published a selection of them in four books — Lust At First Swipe, Peeing Is Relieving, Wisdom and Wordplay, and Within. His aphorism "Given sufficient notice, one can always be spontaneous" was awarded first place in the 2023 edition of the Wilde Wit competition, run by The Oscar Wilde Society. Other gems he has penned are:

"Skeletons in the cupboard only cause problems when rattled."

"Crashing bores should talk less and crash more."

"It takes a sharp tongue to speak bluntly."

“To gluttons, dessert is always worth the weight.”