An anecdote is a short, often humorous, story or account of an event or incident. Anecdotes are typically used to illustrate a point or to add interest and personality to a piece of writing or speech. Anecdotes can be based on real events or they can be fictionalized, and they may involve people, animals, or other characters. They are often used to add humour or to create a more personal and engaging tone in the writing or speech.