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Hello, little girl," he said, which was only his first big…

“Hello, little girl," he said, which was only his first big mistake. "I'm sure you want to know all about hedgehogs, eh?" "I did this one last year," said Tiffany. The man looked closer, and his grin faded. "Oh, yes," he said. "I remember. You asked all those... little questions." "I would like a…” quote by Terry Pratchett
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““Hello, little girl," he said, which was only his first big mistake. "I'm sure you want to know all about hedgehogs, eh?" "I did this one last year," said Tiffany. The man looked closer, and his grin faded. "Oh, yes," he said. "I remember. You asked all those... little questions." "I would like a question answered today," said Tiffany. "Provided it's not one about how you get baby hedgehogs," said the man. "No," said Tiffany patiently. "It's about zoology." "Zoology, eh? That's a big word, isn't it." "No, actually it isn't," said Tiffany. " Patronizing is a big word. Zoology is really quite small.””

Terry Pratchett

About This Quote

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

A dialogue that satirically contrasts pretentious academic language with simple reality, highlighting how jargon can mask triviality.

In simple terms: Big words can hide simple truths.

Key Takeaway

Question the use of unnecessary jargon.

Themes

satire communication knowledge

Mood

witty critical playful

Type

dialogue satirical

When to use this quote

  • classroom discussions
  • scientific presentations
  • everyday conversations
  • writing workshops

Key Concepts

language pretension education

Questions to Reflect On

  • When does technical language become a barrier?
  • How can we make expertise accessible without condescension?
A Different Perspective

May oversimplify complex subjects.

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