Big mouth Quote by George Mikes
““Terribly rude expressions (if pronounced grimly) are: ‘I am afraid that…’ ’unless...’ ‘nevertheless…’ ‘How queer...’ and ‘I am sorry, but…’ It is true that quite often you can hear remarks like: ‘You’d better see that you get out of here!‘ Or ‘Shut your big mouth!‘ Or ‘Dirty pig!‘ etc. These remarks are very un-English and are the results of foreign influence. (Dating back, however, to the era of the Danish invasion.)””
About This Quote
Source Essay: The English Language, George Mikes, 1970
He lists phrases that sound overly apologetic or harsh, arguing they stem from foreign influence and are un-.
In simple terms: Certain polite or rude phrases feel un-English due to foreign roots.
Key Takeaway
Be mindful of tone and cultural origins of expressions.
Themes
language
culture
communication
Mood
reflective
critical
Type
observational
analytical
When to use this quote
- writing
- public speaking
- cross‑cultural interaction
Key Concepts
politeness
foreign influence
linguistic history
Questions to Reflect On
- What phrases do you use that might sound un‑English?
- How does tone affect perception?
A Different Perspective
These phrases may also reflect genuine emotions, not just foreign impact.
