Skip to content

Drink Quote by Ambrose Bierce

“REGALIA, n. Distinguishing insignia, jewels and costume of such ancient and honorable orders as Knights of Adam; Visionaries of Detectable Bosh; the Ancient Order of Modern Troglodytes; the League of Holy Humbug; the Golden Phalanx of Phalangers; the Genteel Society of Expurgated Hoodlums; the…” quote by Ambrose Bierce
Download Open image
“REGALIA, n. Distinguishing insignia, jewels and costume of such ancient and honorable orders as Knights of Adam; Visionaries of Detectable Bosh; the Ancient Order of Modern Troglodytes; the League of Holy Humbug; the Golden Phalanx of Phalangers; the Genteel Society of Expurgated Hoodlums; the Mystic Alliances of Georgeous Regalians; Knights and Ladies of the Yellow Dog; the Oriental Order of Sons of the West; the Blatherhood of Insufferable Stuff; Warriors of the Long Bow; Guardians of the Great Horn Spoon; the Band of Brutes; the Impenitent Order of Wife-Beaters; the Sublime Legion of Flamboyant Conspicuants; Worshipers at the Electroplated Shrine; Shining Inaccessibles; Fee-Faw-Fummers of the inimitable Grip; Jannissaries of the Broad-Blown Peacock; Plumed Increscencies of the Magic Temple; the Grand Cabal of Able-Bodied Sedentarians; Associated Deities of the Butter Trade; the Garden of Galoots; the Affectionate Fraternity of Men Similarly Warted; the Flashing Astonishers; Ladies o”

Ambrose Bierce

About This Quote

Source Dictionary entry: “Regalia”, 1911 (The Devil’s Dictionary)

Regalia mockingly describes elaborate titles and honors of trivial or absurd societies.

In simple terms: Satirical list of fake honors.

Key Takeaway

Question the value of superficial status.

Themes

satire social critique humor

Mood

wry critical

Type

literary philosophical

When to use this quote

  • political rallies
  • corporate award ceremonies
  • online influencer culture
  • club memberships

Key Concepts

mockery elitism pretension

Questions to Reflect On

  • What real honors do we overlook?
  • How does satire reveal social vanity?
A Different Perspective

The absurdity can obscure genuine achievements.

2.7 out of 5 (8 ratings)

More by Ambrose Bierce

Explore all 1,157 Ambrose Bierce quotes

More Drink quotes

Browse all 4,655 Drink quotes