Talk of the 'imperial decay' of your invalid port. 'Its gracious withdrawal from perfection, keeping a hint of former majesty withal, as it hovers between oblivion and the divine Untergang of infinite recession.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The speaker uses overly elaborate language to describe the decline of wine, mocking pretentious conversation.
- In plain terms
- Use flowery words to describe simple things to sound sophisticated.
- What can you take from it?
- Recognize when language is used to impress rather than communicate.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- When does eloquence become empty?
- How do we value substance over style?
Another view
This style of speech obscures meaning under layers of artifice.
More from Stephen Potter
A good general rule is to state that the bouquet is better than the taste, and vice versa.
Permalink to quote #6 'Yes, but not in the South', with slight adjustments, will do for any argument about any place, if not about any person.
Permalink to quote #5 How to be one up - how to make the other man feel that something has gone wrong, however slightly.
Permalink to quote #4
Related quotes
Kenneth: If you're so hot, you'd better tell me how to say she has ideas above her station. Brian: Oh, yes, I forgot. It's fairly easy, old boy. Elle a des ide…
Terence RattiganTerence Rattigan quote #1 Jestem za, a nawet przeciw.
Lech WalesaLech Walesa quote #3 Nobody talks so constantly about God as those who insist that there is no God.
Heywood BrounHeywood Broun quote #3