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Long And Deep Quote by Jay Kristoff

“You know, I’ve never understood that. How being named for a woman’s nethers is somehow more grievous than any other insult. Seems to me calling someone after a man’s privates is worse. I mean, what do you picture when you hear a fellow called a cock?’ Tric shrugged, befuddled at the strange turn…” quote by Jay Kristoff
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““You know, I’ve never understood that. How being named for a woman’s nethers is somehow more grievous than any other insult. Seems to me calling someone after a man’s privates is worse. I mean, what do you picture when you hear a fellow called a cock?’ Tric shrugged, befuddled at the strange turn in conversation. ‘You imagine an oaf, don’t you?’ Mia continued. ‘Someone so full of wank there’s no room for wits. A slow-minded bastard who struts about full of spunk and piss, completely ignorant of how he looks to others.’ An exhalation of clove-sweet grey into the air between them. ‘Cock is just another word for “fool”. But you call someone a cunt, well …’ The girl smiled. ‘You’re implying a sense of malice there. An intent. Malevolent and self-aware. Don’t think I name Consul Scaeva a cunt to gift him insult. Cunts have brains, Don Tric. Cunts have teeth. Someone calls you a cunt, you take it as a compliment. As a sign that folk believe you’re not to be lightly fucked with.’ A shrug. ‘I think they call that irony.’ Mia sniffed, staring at the wastes laid out below them. ‘Truth is, there’s no difference between your nethers and mine. Aside from the obvious, of course. But one doesn’t carry any more weight than the other. Why should what’s between my legs be considered any smarter or stupider, any worse or better? It’s all just meat, Don Tric. In the end, it’s all just food for worms. Just like Duomo, Remus, and Scaeva will be.’ One last drag, long and deep, as if drawing the very life from her smoke. ‘But I’d still rather be called a cunt than a cock any turn.’ The girl sighed grey, crushed her cigarillo out with her boot heel. Spat into the wind. And just like that, young Tric was in love.””

Jay Kristoff

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Nevernight Chronicle, 2016

The passage critiques gendered insults, arguing that both are equally demeaning and that the perceived severity is socially constructed.

In simple terms: Both insults are equally meaningless and harmful.

Key Takeaway

Recognize the arbitrariness of gendered slurs.

Themes

gender language power identity humor

Mood

ironic conversational critical

Type

literary dialogue philosophical

When to use this quote

  • dialogue in sci‑fi setting
  • character development
  • world‑building
  • conflict resolution

Key Concepts

social construct insult dynamics masculinity femininity

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you decide which insults are acceptable?
  • Can reclaiming slurs change their impact?
A Different Perspective

May overlook cultural contexts where language carries different weight.

4.5 out of 5 (4 ratings)

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