Skip to content

I think what it is is, if you're in school and you're not…

“I think what it is is, if you're in school and you're not that bright or good-looking or popular or whatever, and one day you say something and someone laughs, well, you sort of grab onto it, don't you? You think, well I run funny and I've got this stupid big face and big thighs and no-one fancies…” quote by David Nicholls
Download Open image
“I think what it is is, if you're in school and you're not that bright or good-looking or popular or whatever, and one day you say something and someone laughs, well, you sort of grab onto it, don't you? You think, well I run funny and I've got this stupid big face and big thighs and no-one fancies me, but at least I can make people laugh. And it's such a nice feeling, making someone laugh, that maybe you get a bit reliant on it. Like, if you;re not funny then you're not...anything”

David Nicholls

About This Quote

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

Feeling socially awkward, the narrator uses humor as a coping mechanism and identity, relying on jokes for acceptance.

In simple terms: He hides insecurity by making others laugh.

Key Takeaway

Cultivate confidence beyond jokes.

Themes

insecurity humor identity acceptance

Mood

introspective empathetic

Type

psychological social

When to use this quote

  • school interactions
  • friendship building
  • public speaking
  • self‑acceptance

Key Concepts

social anxiety self‑worth coping strategies

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do you seek validation through jokes?
  • Can you find confidence without humor?
A Different Perspective

Humor can mask deeper issues, not resolve them.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by David Nicholls

Explore all 332 David Nicholls quotes

More Bigs quotes

Browse all 15,539 Bigs quotes