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Language Quote by Mal Peet

“He taught me that language was rubbery, plastic. It wasn't, as I thought, something you just use, but something you can play with. Words were made up of little bits that could be shuffled, turned back to front, remixed. They could be tucked and folded into other words to produce unexpected things…” quote by Mal Peet
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““He taught me that language was rubbery, plastic. It wasn't, as I thought, something you just use, but something you can play with. Words were made up of little bits that could be shuffled, turned back to front, remixed. They could be tucked and folded into other words to produce unexpected things. It was like cookery, like alchemy. Language hid more than it revealed.””

Mal Peet

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Art of Storytelling, Mal Peet, 2015

Language is a flexible tool that can be reshaped, combined, and experimented with like a craft, revealing hidden possibilities beyond its literal use.

In simple terms: Language can be played with like a craft.

Key Takeaway

Experiment with words to discover new meanings.

Themes

creativity language playfulness

Mood

curious inspired

Type

creative educational

When to use this quote

  • writing workshops
  • teaching
  • creative brainstorming
  • advertising copywriting
  • game design

Key Concepts

linguistics semiotics cognitive flexibility

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can you use wordplay without confusing your audience?
  • What new ideas emerge when you remix familiar terms?
A Different Perspective

Playing with language may obscure clarity if overused.

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