Books Quote by Pietro Aretino
““Antonia: I meant to tell you, and then forgot: call a spade a spade, and say 'arse', 'prick', 'cunt', and 'fuck', otherwise the only people who'll understand you will be the scholars of the Capranica think tank - you and your 'rose in the ring', your 'obelisk in the arsenal' your 'leek in the garden', your 'bolt in the door', your 'key in the lock', your 'pestle in the mortar', your 'nightingale in the nest', your 'sapling in the ditch', your 'syringe in the flap-valve', your 'sword in the sheath'; and the same goes for 'the stake', 'the crozier', the parsnip', 'the little monkey', 'his thingummy', 'her thingummy', 'the apples', 'the leaves of the mass book', 'that thingy', 'the graceful whatyamacallit', 'that whatsit', 'that doings', 'that latest news', 'the handle', 'the dart', 'that carrot', 'the root' and all the other shit that comes out of your mouth, but there you go, pussyfooting around. Let your yes mean yes, your no, no, and otherwise, just shut it.””
About This Quote
Source Letter: Private correspondence, 16th century
The speaker urges blunt honesty and the abandonment of euphemisms, arguing that clear, vulgar language fosters genuine understanding among peers.
In simple terms: Speak plainly, avoid euphemisms.
Key Takeaway
Use direct language to ensure clarity.
Themes
communication
honesty
language
social norms
Mood
candid
provocative
Type
practical
social
When to use this quote
- team meetings
- creative brainstorming
- conflict resolution
- teaching
- public speaking
Key Concepts
pragmatism
linguistics
Questions to Reflect On
- When is bluntness appropriate?
- How can you convey truth without causing harm?
A Different Perspective
Overly blunt speech can alienate or offend, reducing receptivity.
![“Cecily. This is no time for wearing the shallow mask of manners. When I see a spade I call it a spade. Gwendolen. [Satirically.] I am glad to say that I have never seen a spade. It is obvious that our social spheres have been widely different.” quote by Oscar Wilde](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/1e7/oscar-wilde-16_different_cecily-this-is-no-time-for-wearing-the-s_1461245.jpg)
