Brooding Quote by Jeanne Marie Laskas
““Now, brooder is an interesting word. People who worry a lot in silence are known as brooders. But then again so is a hen sitting on her eggs. The more I get to know chickens, the more I realize half our language comes from chickens. Well, not half. But an awful lot considering this isn't Latin or anything. Cooped up. Egghead. Hatch a plan. Henpecked. Pecker. Cock. Chickenshit. Chicken-scratch. A lot of chicken words are meant to deliver attitude, which isn't surprising to me now that I have chickens. Chickens aren't background animals like fish or sheep or horses. Chickens are in-your-face animals. Chickens if you have them, come to bracket your days. The rooster hollers all morning, and then in the evening the hens have left you their mysterious gift of eggs. Silkies are said to be excellent brooders, to have a tendency toward "broodiness." This, too, is usually meant as a compliment.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, Jeanne Marie Laskas, 2020
The speaker uses chicken metaphors to illustrate how language and attitudes are shaped by everyday observations, emphasizing vivid, grounded expression.
In simple terms: Chicken words reflect attitudes and everyday life.
Key Takeaway
Use concrete images to convey ideas.
Themes
language
metaphor
observation
attitude
Mood
playful
analytical
Type
creative
educational
When to use this quote
- writing
- teaching
- public speaking
- branding
- humor
Key Concepts
cognitive linguistics
symbolism
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you balance vividness with precision?
- When does metaphor become distraction?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on metaphor can obscure clarity.
