Skip to content

Courtesy Quote by William Shakespeare

“Nay, I am the very pink of courtesy.” quote by William Shakespeare
Download Open image
“Nay, I am the very pink of courtesy.”

William Shakespeare

About This Quote

Source Play: Twelfth Night, Act 2, Scene 4, 1623

A witty remark about being the epitome of politeness, using “pink” as a playful synonym for “peak.”

In simple terms: I’m the height of courtesy, said humorously.

Key Takeaway

Embrace humor in self‑praise.

Themes

humor politeness self‑image

Mood

playful ironic

Type

literary dramatic

When to use this quote

  • formal gatherings
  • courtship
  • diplomatic negotiations
  • theatrical dialogue

Key Concepts

Elizabethan wit social performance

Questions to Reflect On

  • Do you use humor to soften self‑compliment?
  • When does self‑praise become boastful?
A Different Perspective

May be misread as sarcasm, reducing sincerity.

4.2 out of 5 (9 ratings)

More by William Shakespeare

Explore all 5,604 William Shakespeare quotes

More Courtesy quotes

Browse all 527 Courtesy quotes