Arcane Quote by William Safire
“Do not be taken in by 'insiderisms.' Fledgling columnists, eager to impress readers with their grasp of journalistic jargon, are drawn to such arcane spellings as 'lede.' Where they lede, do not follow.”
About This Quote
Source Article: The New York Times, 1995
Journalists often misuse jargon like “lede,” which can mislead readers and obscure clear communication.
In simple terms: Avoid confusing jargon in writing.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize clarity over flashy terms.
Themes
journalism
language
clarity
communication
style
Mood
instructive
concise
critical
Type
educational
professional
When to use this quote
- news reporting
- opinion pieces
- media training
- content editing
Key Concepts
linguistic precision
media literacy
editorial standards
Questions to Reflect On
- How does jargon affect reader trust?
- What alternatives improve clarity?
A Different Perspective
Overreliance on jargon can alienate audiences and reduce credibility.
