---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: Certain it is that scandal is good brisk…"
description: "\"Certain it is that scandal is good brisk talk, whereas praise of one's neighbor is by no means lively hearing. An acquaintance grilled, scored, deville..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a47/william-makepeace-thackeray-74_acquaintance_certain-it-is-that-scandal-is-good-brisk_1500376.jpg"
---

#  Certain it is that scandal is good brisk talk, whereas…

![“Certain it is that scandal is good brisk talk, whereas praise of one's neighbor is by no means lively hearing. An acquaintance grilled, scored, devilled, and served with mustard and cayenne pepper excites the appetite; whereas a slice of cold friend with currant jelly is but a sickly, unrelishing…” quote by William Makepeace Thackeray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a47/william-makepeace-thackeray-74_acquaintance_certain-it-is-that-scandal-is-good-brisk_1500376.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a47/william-makepeace-thackeray-74_acquaintance_certain-it-is-that-scandal-is-good-brisk_1500376.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a47/william-makepeace-thackeray-74_acquaintance_certain-it-is-that-scandal-is-good-brisk_1500376.jpg)

> “Certain it is that scandal is good brisk talk, whereas praise of one's neighbor is by no means lively hearing. An acquaintance grilled, scored, devilled, and served with mustard and cayenne pepper excites the appetite; whereas a slice of cold friend with currant jelly is but a sickly, unrelishing meat.”

[William Makepeace Thackeray](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-makepeace-thackeray/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Scandalous, sensational stories are more entertaining than modest praise, which can feel bland and unappetizing.

**In simple terms:** Exciting gossip beats dull compliments.

Key Takeaway

Seek depth over drama.

Themes

media attention human nature

Mood

witty critical

Type

observational satirical

When to use this quote

- celebrity gossip
- political commentary
- personal relationships
- marketing pitches

Key Concepts

Sensationalism social dynamics

Questions to Reflect On

- Do you prefer honesty or excitement?
- How does sensationalism shape perception?

A Different Perspective

Overemphasis on scandal can erode trust and nuance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Acquaintance](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acquaintance/) [Acquaintance Grilled](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/acquaintance-grilled-5498976/) [Appetite](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/appetite/) [Brisk Talk](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/brisk-talk-5498977/) [Certain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/certain/) [Cold](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/cold/) [Friendship](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/friendship/) [Grilled](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/grilled/) [Hearing](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/hearing/) [Jelly](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/jelly/) [Lively](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lively/) [Mean](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mean/) [Meat](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/meat/) [Mustard](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/mustard/) [Neighbor](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/neighbor/) [Old friends](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/old-friends/) [Peppers](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/peppers/) [Praise](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/praise/) [Scandal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scandal/) [Scandal Good](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/scandal-good-987994/)

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## More by William Makepeace Thackeray

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