--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Wit is like caviar - it should be served…" description: "\"Wit is like caviar - it should be served in small portions and not spread about like marmalade.\" — Noel Coward" image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/noel-coward-2647_caviar_wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-i_2030017.png" --- # Wit is like caviar - it should be served in small portions… ![“Wit is like caviar - it should be served in small portions and not spread about like marmalade.” quote by Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/noel-coward-2647_caviar_wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-i_2030017.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/noel-coward-2647_caviar_wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-i_2030017.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/noel-coward-2647_caviar_wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-i_2030017.png) > “Wit is like caviar - it should be served in small portions and not spread about like marmalade.” [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Wit should be used sparingly, like a delicacy, not overused like a spread. **In simple terms:** Use humor in small, tasteful doses. Key Takeaway Reserve wit for impact. Themes humor moderation taste Mood playful analytical Type observational guideline When to use this quote - public speaking - writing - social gatherings Key Concepts cultural etiquette communication style social interaction Questions to Reflect On - When is wit most effective? - How do you gauge the right amount of humor? A Different Perspective Overuse of wit can diminish its effect. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Caviar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/caviar/) [Caviar Served](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/caviar-served-3722286/) [Like Caviar](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like-caviar-546591/) [Like Marmalade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/like-marmalade-1765617/) [Marmalade](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/marmalade/) [Portions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/portions/) [Served Small](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/served-small-3722285/) [Should](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/should/) [Small Portions](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/small-portions-556722/) [Spread](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/spread/) [Wit](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/wit/) [Witty](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/witty/) ## Related quotes > [Wit ought to be a glorious treat like caviar; never spread it about like marmalade.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/wit-ought-to-be-a-glorious-treat-like-caviar-never-spread-it-about/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [“can see willful obfuscation spread over you like marmalade on toast. I do not care for marmalade, madam, and I care less for secrets.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/william-ritter/can-see-willful-obfuscation-spread-over-you-like-marmalade-on-toast-i/) [William Ritter](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-ritter/) > [Always do the things you fear the most. Courage is an acquired taste, like caviar.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/erica-jong/always-do-the-things-you-fear-the-most-courage-is-an-acquired-taste/) [Erica Jong](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/erica-jong/) > [I don't feel the need for unusual or glamorous foods like caviar, and I tend more towards ordinary, satisfying food.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/george-harrison/i-don-t-feel-the-need-for-unusual-or-glamorous-foods-like-caviar-and/) [George Harrison](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/george-harrison/) > [Fame is like caviar, you know - it's good to have caviar but not when you have it at every meal.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/marilyn-monroe/fame-is-like-caviar-you-know-it-s-good-to-have-caviar-but-not-when/) [Marilyn Monroe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/marilyn-monroe/) > [Real success comes in small portions day by day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/denis-waitley/real-success-comes-in-small-portions-day-by-day/) [Denis Waitley](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/denis-waitley/) > [I eat small portions of crisps, sweets, chocolate, pizza, chicken, cake, doughnuts, ice cream, noodles and pop tarts all day long, so I get…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/lizzie-velasquez/i-eat-small-portions-of-crisps-sweets-chocolate-pizza-chicken-cake/) [Lizzie Velasquez](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/lizzie-velasquez/) > [I try to eat right. Every three hours, small portions. It helps to keep you fit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/isabeli-fontana/i-try-to-eat-right-every-three-hours-small-portions-it-helps-to-keep/) [Isabeli Fontana](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/isabeli-fontana/) > [My basic food mantra is small portions, no water during the meal and the capacity to say no to an extra helping if it's…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rahul-dev/my-basic-food-mantra-is-small-portions-no-water-during-the-meal-and/) [Rahul Dev](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rahul-dev/) > [I never pile a plate to the point where it overflows. I'd rather have a small plate with small portions and then get up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/rachel-nichols/i-never-pile-a-plate-to-the-point-where-it-overflows-i-d-rather-have/) [Rachel Nichols](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/rachel-nichols/) > [Two women at a resort discussed dinner: "The food here is lousy," the first noted. "You're right! And such small portions!!" the second added](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/groucho-marx/two-women-at-a-resort-discussed-dinner-the-food-here-is-lousy-the/) [Groucho Marx](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/groucho-marx/) > [During a color consultation, I like to reference food as a visual. Hot fudge and orange marmalade paint a clearer picture and helps prevent…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tabatha-coffey/during-a-color-consultation-i-like-to-reference-food-as-a-visual-hot/) [Tabatha Coffey](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tabatha-coffey/) > [A bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans. "You want to be careful with those," Ron warned Harry. "When they say every flavor, they…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/a-bag-of-bertie-bott-s-every-flavor-beans-you-want-to-be-careful-with/) [Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/) > [Marmalade in the morning has the same effect on taste buds that a cold shower has on the body.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeanine-larmoth/marmalade-in-the-morning-has-the-same-effect-on-taste-buds-that-a/) [Jeanine Larmoth](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeanine-larmoth/) > [The Dutch look like a huge jar of marmalade.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barry-davies/the-dutch-look-like-a-huge-jar-of-marmalade/) [Barry Davies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barry-davies/) ## More by Noel Coward > [Acting is not a state of being ... but a state of appearing to be. You can't be eight times a week without going…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/acting-is-not-a-state-of-being-but-a-state-of-appearing-to-be-you-can/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [It is discouraging how many people are shocked by honesty and how few by deceit.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/it-is-discouraging-how-many-people-are-shocked-by-honesty-and-how-few/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [I'll go through life either first class or third, but never in second.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/i-ll-go-through-life-either-first-class-or-third-but-never-in-second/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [Everybody worships me, it's nauseating.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/everybody-worships-me-it-s-nauseating/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the mid-day sun.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/mad-dogs-and-englishmen-go-out-in-the-mid-day-sun/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [That strange feeling we had inthe war. Have you found anything in your lives since toequal it in strength? A sort of splendid carelessness…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/that-strange-feeling-we-had-inthe-war-have-you-found-anything-in-your/) [Noël Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [Wit ought to be a glorious treat like caviar; never spread it about like marmalade.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/wit-ought-to-be-a-glorious-treat-like-caviar-never-spread-it-about/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [Squash - that's not exercise, it's flagellation.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/squash-that-s-not-exercise-it-s-flagellation/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [If you must have motivation, think of your paycheck on Friday.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/if-you-must-have-motivation-think-of-your-paycheck-on-friday/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [“A.E. Matthews ambled through This Was a Man like a charming retriever who has buried a bone and can't quite remember where.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/a-e-matthews-ambled-through-this-was-a-man-like-a-charming-retriever/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [“Television is for appearing on - not for looking at.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/television-is-for-appearing-on-not-for-looking-at/) [Noël Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [“I like long walks, especialy when they are taken by people who annoy me.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/i-like-long-walks-especialy-when-they-are-taken-by-people-who-annoy-me/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [Hollywood is a place where some people lie on the beach and look up at the stars, whereas other people lie on the stars…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/hollywood-is-a-place-where-some-people-lie-on-the-beach-and-look-up/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [Grab it while you can — grab every scrap of happiness while you can](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/grab-it-while-you-can-grab-every-scrap-of-happiness-while-you-can/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [My importance to the world is relatively small. On the other hand, my importance to myself is tremendous. I am all I have to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/my-importance-to-the-world-is-relatively-small-on-the-other-hand-my/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) [Explore all 156 Noel Coward quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) ## More Caviar quotes > [Give me a platter of choice finnan haddie, freshly cooked in its bath of water and milk, add melted butter, a slice or two…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/craig-claiborne/give-me-a-platter-of-choice-finnan-haddie-freshly-cooked-in-its-bath/) [Craig Claiborne](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/craig-claiborne/) > [“Honestly,’ she said when they were out of Bruce’s earshot, ‘he’s as bad in the kitchen as you are. What do you people do…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/francine-pascal/honestly-she-said-when-they-were-out-of-bruce-s-earshot-he-s-as-bad/) [Francine Pascal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/francine-pascal/) > [It was part of theTexas ritual? We know about champagne and caviar but we talk hog and hominy.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/edna-ferber/it-was-part-of-thetexas-ritual-we-know-about-champagne-and-caviar-but/) [Edna Ferber](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/edna-ferber/) > [Wit ought to be a glorious treat like caviar; never spread it about like marmalade.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/wit-ought-to-be-a-glorious-treat-like-caviar-never-spread-it-about/) [Noel Coward](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/) > [Some people wanted champagne and caviar when they should have had beer and hot dogs.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwight-d-eisenhower/some-people-wanted-champagne-and-caviar-when-they-should-have-had/) [Dwight D. Eisenhower](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dwight-d-eisenhower/) > [ “\[Her\] idea of a fair trade--her lentils for your caviar.” ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/maya-corrigan/her-idea-of-a-fair-trade-her-lentils-for-your-caviar/) [Maya Corrigan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/maya-corrigan/) > [ I guess, as they say, I never acquired a taste for \[caviar\]. ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/carrie-fisher/i-guess-as-they-say-i-never-acquired-a-taste-for-caviar/) [Carrie Fisher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/carrie-fisher/) > [Ain't got no caviar, no Dom Perignon.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/darius-rucker/ain-t-got-no-caviar-no-dom-perignon/) [Darius Rucker](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/darius-rucker/) > [ \[on whether he harbored any resentment at his forced retirement from the stage after he was fired by Britain's National Theater\] I should be… ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/laurence-olivier/on-whether-he-harbored-any-resentment-at-his-forced-retirement-from/) [Laurence Olivier](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/laurence-olivier/) > [When I go out, I love steak and caviar.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cameron-diaz/when-i-go-out-i-love-steak-and-caviar/) [Cameron Diaz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cameron-diaz/) > [Children never lie...I remember my daughter standing in her crib the first time I gave her caviar. I put it on bread. She ate…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jacques-p-pin/children-never-lie-i-remember-my-daughter-standing-in-her-crib-the/) [Jacques Pepin](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jacques-p-pin/) > [I love quinoa. It's great, it cooks like rice and is better than caviar.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/clotilde-hesme/i-love-quinoa-it-s-great-it-cooks-like-rice-and-is-better-than-caviar/) [Clotilde Hesme](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/clotilde-hesme/) > [God didn't bless me with success so I could eat caviar every day.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kathie-lee-gifford/god-didn-t-bless-me-with-success-so-i-could-eat-caviar-every-day/) [Kathie Lee Gifford](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kathie-lee-gifford/) > [Grab some caviar from the kitchen. You wouldn't believe the muck they feed us in Bartleby's for ten thousand a term.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/eoin-colfer/grab-some-caviar-from-the-kitchen-you-wouldn-t-believe-the-muck-they/) [Eoin Colfer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/eoin-colfer/) > [Give me Caviar Kaspia and give me a hamburger. I love the two extremes.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/michael-kors/give-me-caviar-kaspia-and-give-me-a-hamburger-i-love-the-two-extremes/) [Michael Kors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/michael-kors/) [Browse all 79 Caviar quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/caviar/) ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ { "@type": "Quotation", "text": "Wit is like caviar - it should be served in small portions and not spread about like marmalade.", "creator": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Noel Coward" }, "isPartOf": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website" }, "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-in-small-portions-and-not/", "about": { "@type": "Thing", "name": "Caviar" }, "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-in-small-portions-and-not/#quotation", "image": { "@type": "ImageObject", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/noel-coward-2647_caviar_wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-i_2030017.png", "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/noel-coward-2647_caviar_wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-i_2030017.png", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b7f/noel-coward-2647_caviar_wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-i_2030017.png", "width": 1080, "height": 1080, "caption": "“Wit is like caviar - it should be served in small portions and not spread about like marmalade.” — Noel Coward", "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "creator": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } } }, { "@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Quotes", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Noel Coward", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/noel-coward/" }, { "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "Wit is like caviar - it...", "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-in-small-portions-and-not/" } ], "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/noel-coward/wit-is-like-caviar-it-should-be-served-in-small-portions-and-not/#breadcrumb" }, { "@type": "WebSite", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "publisher": { "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization" } }, { "@type": "Organization", "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization", "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png", "width": 512, "height": 512 } } ] } ```