--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Legislative language is governed by a law…" description: "\"Legislative language is governed by a law of etymology that is also the ancient code of the bureaucracy: It doesn't have to be right, it just has to be..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20b/molly-ivins-1296_government_legislative-language-is-governed-by-a-la_337710.png" --- # Legislative language is governed by a law of etymology… ![“Legislative language is governed by a law of etymology that is also the ancient code of the bureaucracy: It doesn't have to be right, it just has to be close enough for government work. If they understand what you mean, it doesn't matter what you say or how you say it.” quote by Molly Ivins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20b/molly-ivins-1296_government_legislative-language-is-governed-by-a-la_337710.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20b/molly-ivins-1296_government_legislative-language-is-governed-by-a-la_337710.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/20b/molly-ivins-1296_government_legislative-language-is-governed-by-a-la_337710.png) > “Legislative language is governed by a law of etymology that is also the ancient code of the bureaucracy: It doesn't have to be right, it just has to be close enough for government work. If they understand what you mean, it doesn't matter what you say or how you say it.” [Molly Ivins](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/molly-ivins/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Notes that bureaucratic language tolerates imprecision as long as intent is understood. **In simple terms:** Bureaucracy accepts vague wording if meaning is clear. Key Takeaway Focus on clarity, not perfect phrasing. Themes communication bureaucracy language politics Mood cynical insightful Type observational satirical When to use this quote - drafting legislation - policy communication - public statements - interagency memos Key Concepts semantic flexibility administrative efficiency political rhetoric Questions to Reflect On - When does imprecision become harmful? - How to balance clarity with bureaucratic norms? A Different Perspective Over‑reliance on vague language can cause misinterpretation. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/government/) [Language](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/language/) [Law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Programming](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/programming/) [Work](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/work/) ## Related quotes > [I think everything should be governed by law. 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