Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

Interesting...I had no idea that the word "bemused" originated with Alexander Pope. I'm not sure when I would ever have an opportunity to describe someone as "be-mused." In order to avoid confusion, I simply use the word "amused" when discussing amusement and "confused" when discussing confusion. What would be a more appropriate word to describe someone in a state of "wry or tolerant amusement?"