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Keep your vocabulary as wide as you can. I have some…

“Keep your vocabulary as wide as you can. I have some difficulty with the word ‘cool’, and I’m not too bothered about the word ‘awesome’. People like me are looking to people like you guys of the next generation to deal with this shit. It’s like seeing a rock guitarist pick up a Fender Stratocaster…” quote by Terry Pratchett
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““Keep your vocabulary as wide as you can. I have some difficulty with the word ‘cool’, and I’m not too bothered about the word ‘awesome’. People like me are looking to people like you guys of the next generation to deal with this shit. It’s like seeing a rock guitarist pick up a Fender Stratocaster and hold it the wrong way.””

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.

Expanding one's vocabulary is valuable, but some words become overused; the speaker prefers authenticity over trendy slang.

In simple terms: Avoid overused slang; be authentic.

Key Takeaway

Choose words that reflect genuine meaning.

Themes

language authenticity generational gaps

Mood

contemplative analytical

Type

literary advice

When to use this quote

  • public speaking
  • writing
  • intergenerational dialogue

Key Concepts

sociolinguistics communication theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does language evolve across generations?
  • What words best convey your ideas?
A Different Perspective

May sound dismissive of modern slang.

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