Skip to content
quotesby

About this quote

What does it mean?
The speaker jokes that naming someone Sam is as common as the generic trio Tom, Dick, and Harry.
In plain terms
Sam is a generic name, just like Tom, Dick, and Harry.
What can you take from it?
Don't overthink common names.

Where it applies

  • introducing a character
  • discussing naming trends

Putting it to work

  • choose distinctive names
  • use humor in dialogue

Questions to consider

  • Why do we use placeholder names?
  • How does naming affect perception?

Another view

It may overlook cultural significance of names.

More from Samuel Goldwyn

  1. Don't pay any attention to the critics - don't even ignore them.

    Permalink to quote #27

  2. Put it out of your mind. In no time, it will be a forgotten memory.

    Permalink to quote #29

  3. [A movie] should start with an earthquake and build to a climax.

    Permalink to quote #26

Related quotes

  1. One of the most unfortunate things about being an unfit Englishman cycling long distances in France is the number of signs that yell 'PAIN' down every high str…

    Tim MooreTim Moore quote #1

  2. If you smell what The Rock is cooking!

    Dwayne (The Rock) JohnsonDwayne (The Rock) Johnson quote #1

  3. All of a sudden I had to remember some words that Marlowe had told me over fifteen years ago: 'Dead men don't wear plaid.' Hmm... Dead men don't wear plaid. I …

    Steve MartinSteve Martin quote #2