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She kept . . . using the, well, the quote L-word itself…

“She kept . . . using the, well, the quote L-word itself several times without irony or any evident awareness that the word has through tactical over-deployment become trite and requires invisible quotes around it now at the very least.” quote by David Foster Wallace
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““She kept . . . using the, well, the quote L-word itself several times without irony or any evident awareness that the word has through tactical over-deployment become trite and requires invisible quotes around it now at the very least.””

David Foster Wallace

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Overusing a cliché term without awareness can make it feel stale, requiring extra framing to convey meaning.

In simple terms: Clichés become trite without awareness.

Key Takeaway

Use language consciously.

Themes

language cliché awareness communication literature

Mood

analytical critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • editing
  • public speaking
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

semantic saturation irony authenticity

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does repetition become effective?
  • How can you revitalize overused terms?
A Different Perspective

The critique may dismiss intentional stylistic choices that serve a purpose.

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