---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This, I must say, is unusual courtesy\"…"
description: "\"“This, I must say, is unusual courtesy\", he commented. \"This\", she corrected him,\"is an unusual country.”\" — Khwaja Ahmad Abbas"
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad0/khwaja-ahmad-abbas-55274_courtesy_this-i-must-say-is-unusual-courtesy-he-c_144698.jpg"
---

#  This, I must say, is unusual courtesy", he commented…

![“This, I must say, is unusual courtesy", he commented. "This", she corrected him,"is an unusual country.” quote by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad0/khwaja-ahmad-abbas-55274_courtesy_this-i-must-say-is-unusual-courtesy-he-c_144698.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad0/khwaja-ahmad-abbas-55274_courtesy_this-i-must-say-is-unusual-courtesy-he-c_144698.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/ad0/khwaja-ahmad-abbas-55274_courtesy_this-i-must-say-is-unusual-courtesy-he-c_144698.jpg)

> ““This, I must say, is unusual courtesy", he commented. "This", she corrected him,"is an unusual country.””

[Khwaja Ahmad Abbas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/khwaja-ahmad-abbas/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The remark highlights how language can invert meaning, turning a compliment into a critique through subtle wordplay.

**In simple terms:** Words can flip meaning with slight changes.

Key Takeaway

Pay attention to phrasing to avoid misunderstandings.

Themes

communication language perception

Mood

thoughtful analytical

Type

observational literary

When to use this quote

- daily conversation
- writing
- negotiations
- public speaking

Key Concepts

semantics irony context

Questions to Reflect On

- How does word order affect meaning?
- Can tone be preserved across cultures?

A Different Perspective

If the audience misinterprets, the intended tone is lost.

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[Courtesy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courtesy/)

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> [They who sow courtesy reap friendship, and they who plant kindness gather love.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/saint-basil/they-who-sow-courtesy-reap-friendship-and-they-who-plant-kindness/)

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> [Lobbying' is the activity of attempting to influence legislation by privately influencing the legislators. It is the result and creation of a mixed economy-of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ayn-rand/lobbying-is-the-activity-of-attempting-to-influence-legislation-by/)

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Proverb

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## More by Khwaja Ahmad Abbas

> [“The flower-covered grave of the saint in the inner room could be seen dimly through the narrow doorway. In front of it was a…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/khwaja-ahmad-abbas/the-flower-covered-grave-of-the-saint-in-the-inner-room-could-be-seen/)

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> [“He buried his head in the lawn, letting his smooth cheeks feel the softness of the earth and be tickled by the short blunt…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/khwaja-ahmad-abbas/he-buried-his-head-in-the-lawn-letting-his-smooth-cheeks-feel-the/)

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[Khwaja Ahmad Abbas](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/khwaja-ahmad-abbas/)

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## More Courtesy quotes

> [If we accept being talked to any kind of a way, then we are telling ourselves we are not quite worth the best. And…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-angelou/if-we-accept-being-talked-to-any-kind-of-a-way-then-we-are-telling/)

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Maria Wallingford

> [though I be but the prince of Wales, yet I am king of courtesy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-shakespeare/though-i-be-but-the-prince-of-wales-yet-i-am-king-of-courtesy/)

[William Shakespeare](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-shakespeare/)

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[Browse all 527 Courtesy quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/courtesy/)

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