Actually Quote by Susan Orlean
“There are many bad things in this world of ours, but the use of the word 'monetize' has to rank high among them. Also, 'incentivize.' Actually, all the '-ize' words, like 'contextualize' and 'utilize' and 'prioritize.' And - this is almost too horrible to type - 'juniorize.'”
About This Quote
Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2015
Overuse of '-ize' verbs makes language feel corporate and impersonal, diluting meaning.
In simple terms: ' -ize' words feel corporate.
Key Takeaway
Choose precise, vivid language.
Themes
language
communication
culture
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- writing
- marketing
- teaching
- public relations
Key Concepts
semantic drift
corporate jargon
Questions to Reflect On
- Which words improve clarity?
- How can you balance precision and brevity?
A Different Perspective
Some '-ize' words are useful for clarity.
