Tracing Quotations
Who Said the Quote: Dorothy Parker? Richard Henry Little? Alexander Woollcott? Who was the Polyglot: Winifred Stackville Stoner? Merle Oberon? Question for Quote Investigator: My question differs from most. Here is a quotation of admiration with a stinger that I would like you to investigate: That woman speaks eighteen languages, and can’t say “No” in …
Continue reading “Quote Origin: She Speaks Eighteen Languages, and Can’t Say “No” in Any of Them”
Dorothy Parker? Punch Humor Magazine? Sally’s Sallies Comic Strip? Ann Landers? Question for Quote Investigator: Previously you discussed a quote of Dorothy Parker’s which was self-critical, but she also directed her barbs at others. Here is an example: When a garrulous old battle-ax was praised as “outspoken,” Mrs. Parker raised an eyebrow to take dead …
Continue reading “Dialogue Origin: “Our Host Certainly Is Outspoken” “Outspoken By Whom?””
Dorothy Parker? Robert Benchley? Frank Sullivan? Question for Quote Investigator: The writer Dorothy Parker was famous for her clever and barbed witticisms. Her remarks were often aimed at others, but sometimes she laughed at herself with a self-deprecating comment. I particularly enjoy the statement she made when asked about her fame: Yes, I once was …
Continue reading “Quote Origin: I Was the Toast of Two Continents: Greenland and Australia”