Family Quote by Anne Fadiman
““I come from the sort of family in which, at the age of ten, I was told I must always say hoi polloi , never "the hoi polloi ," because hoi meant "the," and two "the's" were redundant -- indeed something only hoi polloi would say.””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The Art of Language, Anne Fadiman, 2015
The speaker highlights the redundancy in saying “the hoi polloi,” emphasizing linguistic precision and cultural quirks in speech.
In simple terms: Avoid saying “the” twice when referring to the common people.
Key Takeaway
Watch for redundant phrasing.
Themes
language
culture
communication
precision
Mood
thoughtful
analytical
educational
Type
expository
reflective
When to use this quote
- public speaking
- writing
- teaching
- cross‑cultural dialogue
Key Concepts
linguistic redundancy
social class terminology
speech habits
Questions to Reflect On
- Why do we cling to redundant phrases?
- How does language reflect social hierarchy?
A Different Perspective
The observation may be seen as pedantic rather than insightful.
