All choice of words is slang. It marks a class.” “There is…
““All choice of words is slang. It marks a class.” “There is correct English: that is not slang.” “I beg your pardon: correct English is the slang of prigs who write history and essays. And the strongest slang of all is the slang of poets.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The author argues that what is labeled “correct English” is actually elite slang, and that poets use the most powerful slang.
In simple terms: Standard language is elite slang.
Key Takeaway
Question authority in language.
Themes
language
class
poetry
authority
Mood
critical
reflective
Type
philosophical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- education
- literary criticism
- public speaking
Key Concepts
sociolinguistics
power dynamics
Questions to Reflect On
- How does labeling language as “correct” affect social groups?
- What role does poetry play in reshaping language?
A Different Perspective
May ignore the fluidity of language evolution.