Communication Quote by Jonathan Swift
“Polite Conversation Why, everyone one as they like; as the good woman said when she kissed her cow.”
About This Quote
Source Satire: Poem “Polite Conversation”, 1735
The line mocks pretentious politeness, suggesting that people claim to follow etiquette while acting absurdly, like a woman kissing a cow.
In simple terms: Mocking false politeness with absurd imagery.
Key Takeaway
Question social conventions.
Themes
satire
social critique
absurdity
Mood
wry
critical
Type
literary
humorous
When to use this quote
- social gatherings
- political discourse
- cultural commentary
Key Concepts
etiquette
hypocrisy
literary satire
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the cow symbolize?
- How does satire reveal social absurdities?
A Different Perspective
Satire may be misinterpreted as literal.
