“ DICTIONARY, n. A malevolent literary device for cramping the growth of a language and making it hard and inelastic. ”
Ambrose Bierce, The Devil's Dictionary (1906). copy citation
| Author | Ambrose Bierce |
|---|---|
| Source | The Devil's Dictionary |
| Topic | language literature dictionary |
| Date | 1906 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/972/972-h/972-h.htm |
Context
“"My friend, you've wandered from your proper track: You'd never be content this side the tomb— For big ideas Heaven has little room, And Hell's no latitude for making mirth," He said, and kicked the fellow back to earth.
"The Mad Philosopher" DICTATOR, n. The chief of a nation that prefers the pestilence of despotism to the plague of anarchy.
DICTIONARY, n. A malevolent literary device for cramping the growth of a language and making it hard and inelastic. This dictionary, however, is a most useful work.
DIE, n. The singular of "dice." We seldom hear the word, because there is a prohibitory proverb, "Never say die." At long intervals, however, some one says: "The die is cast," which is not true, for it is cut.” source
"The Mad Philosopher" DICTATOR, n. The chief of a nation that prefers the pestilence of despotism to the plague of anarchy.
DICTIONARY, n. A malevolent literary device for cramping the growth of a language and making it hard and inelastic. This dictionary, however, is a most useful work.
DIE, n. The singular of "dice." We seldom hear the word, because there is a prohibitory proverb, "Never say die." At long intervals, however, some one says: "The die is cast," which is not true, for it is cut.” source
Meaning and analysis
