Discworld Quote by Terry Pratchett
““Is that you, Sergeant Angua?" said a voice in the gloom. A lantern was open, and lit the approaching face of Constable Visit. As he drew near, she could just make out the thick wad of pamphlets under his other arm. "Hello, Washpot," she said. "What's up?" "...looks like a twist of lemon..." said a damp voice from the shadows. "Mister Vimes sent me to search the bars of iniquity and low places of sin for you," said Visit. "And the literature?" said Angua. "By the way, the words "nothing personal" could have so easily been added to that last sentence.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Discworld – "Guards! Guards!", 1989
A humorous exchange reveals the blend of mundane police work with fantastical elements, highlighting the absurdity of bureaucratic language and the depth of character interaction.
In simple terms: Detectives in a fantasy world discuss everyday tasks with wit.
Key Takeaway
Use humor to explore serious themes in fantastical settings.
Themes
humor
fantasy
police
dialogue
absurdity
character
language
Mood
witty
playful
Type
satirical
dialogic
When to use this quote
- role‑playing games
- creative writing
- scriptwriting
- improvisational theater
- fan fiction
Key Concepts
satire
world‑building
social commentary
linguistic play
Questions to Reflect On
- What does the phrase “nothing personal” reveal about authority?
- How does humor affect perception of power structures?
A Different Perspective
The joke may obscure underlying serious commentary.
![“God does not play dice [with the universe]. [Ger., Gott wurfelt nicht.]” quote by Albert Einstein](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ac/albert-einstein-33_creation-of-the-univ_god-does-not-play-dice-with-the-universe_143849.jpg)