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About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker mocks a pitiful situation with sarcasm.
In plain terms
They make fun of someone suffering.
What can you take from it?
Sarcasm can mask empathy for suffering.

Where it applies

  • confrontations
  • gossip
  • dealing with misfortune

Putting it to work

  • responding to complaints
  • dismissing excuses

Questions to consider

  • Is this humor or cruelty?
  • When is mockery appropriate?

Another view

It risks appearing cold or unkind.

More from Dorothy Parker

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  2. This wasn't just plain terrible, this was fancy terrible. This was terrible with raisins in it.

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  3. She must have done it sliding down a barrister.

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