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About this quote

What does it mean?
Shaw rejects technical grammar rules in favor of social performance or status signals.
In plain terms
I care more about sounding like a lady than about grammar rules.
What can you take from it?
Social impression often matters more than technical correctness.

Where it applies

  • conversations
  • debates
  • social gatherings

Putting it to work

  • prioritize tone
  • signal status
  • ignore pedantry

Questions to consider

  • Is grammar important?
  • Why do we care about how we sound?

Another view

This prioritizes social signaling over actual communication clarity.

More from George Bernard Shaw

  1. I wouldn't have ate it, only I'm too lady-like to take it out of my mouth.

    Permalink to quote #170
  2. I heard your prayers Thank God it's all over!

    Permalink to quote #172
  3. What is life but a series of inspired follies? The difficulty is to find them to do. Never lose a chance: it doesn't come every day.

    Permalink to quote #169

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