The pithy stems are used for floating devices, such as rafts and floats for fishing nets.

Fletcher's preface in defence of his play is best known for its pithy definition of tragicomedy: "A tragicomedy is not so called in respect of mirth and killing, but in respect it wants lacks deaths, which is enough to make it no tragedy; yet brings some near it, which is enough to make it no comedy."

In an "Irish Times" article it was reported that ""He is an impressive public speaker, often speaking at length without notes in speeches that can range over Greek philosophy and the place of law in society, before concluding with remarks of pithy relevance to the subject in hand.