Skip to content

There's a grosser irony about Politically Correct English…

“There's a grosser irony about Politically Correct English. This is that PCE purports to be the dialect of progressive reform but is in fact - in its Orwellian substitution of the euphemisms of social equality for social equality itself - of vastly more help to conservatives and the US status quo…” quote by David Foster Wallace
Download Open image
“There's a grosser irony about Politically Correct English. This is that PCE purports to be the dialect of progressive reform but is in fact - in its Orwellian substitution of the euphemisms of social equality for social equality itself - of vastly more help to conservatives and the US status quo than traditional SNOOT prescriptions ever were.”

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.

The quote critiques how politically correct language, while claiming progressive intent, actually preserves existing power structures by masking true issues with euphemisms.

In simple terms: PC language pretends to be progressive but often sustains the status quo.

Key Takeaway

Beware of language that obscures real problems.

Themes

political correctness language power social critique

Mood

skeptical critical analytical

Type

philosophical political

When to use this quote

  • political discourse
  • media analysis
  • education
  • policy debates

Key Concepts

Orwellian euphemism ideological masking

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language shape power dynamics?
  • Can reformist language ever be truly neutral?
A Different Perspective

The argument may overlook genuine efforts to make language inclusive.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by David Foster Wallace

Explore all 999 David Foster Wallace quotes

More Dialect quotes

Browse all 167 Dialect quotes