Skip to content

I will use big words from time to time, the meanings of…

“I will use big words from time to time, the meanings of which I may only vaguely perceive, in hopes such cupidity will send you scampering to your dictionary: I will call such behavior 'public service'.” quote by Harlan Ellison
Download Open image
“I will use big words from time to time, the meanings of which I may only vaguely perceive, in hopes such cupidity will send you scampering to your dictionary: I will call such behavior 'public service'.”

Harlan Ellison

About This Quote

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

The speaker mocks pretentious language, calling it a false public service.

In simple terms: Big words as a façade.

Key Takeaway

Beware of empty rhetoric.

Themes

communication pretension intellectualism

Mood

sarcastic critical

Type

observation philosophical

When to use this quote

  • academic writing
  • political speeches
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

semantic inflation critical thinking

Questions to Reflect On

  • Why do we use complex language?
  • How does pretension affect trust?
A Different Perspective

Might alienate audiences seeking clarity.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by Harlan Ellison

Explore all 165 Harlan Ellison quotes

More Behavior quotes

Browse all 4,218 Behavior quotes