Cant Quotes
Hollow speech, hidden meanings, and a common mix-up
These cant quotes highlight an odd overlap in English - cant as insincere, moralizing talk used to protect reputation, and cant as a casual stand-in for the contraction meaning inability. One line even claims that empty, moralizing chatter can smother real creativity. Related thoughts on honest expression appear in Discourse quotes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does cant mean as a noun?
It refers to insincere or hypocritical talk, often used to sound virtuous without real conviction behind it.
Is cant sometimes just a stand-in for the contraction meaning inability?
Yes, in casual writing the word is frequently used without an apostrophe to mean the same thing.
Why might moralizing speech be seen as harmful to creativity?
Rigid, performative talk about proper behavior can discourage the risk-taking that original ideas usually require.
Where does the word cant originate?
It has roots in describing the specialized or insincere jargon of particular groups, later broadening to mean hollow rhetoric generally.
Where can I find more quotes about honest versus hollow speech?
Quotes tagged under Jimmy Walker also explore the gap between what people say and what they mean.
Whether it's hollow rhetoric or a simple missing apostrophe, these lines show how one small word can cause real confusion. See more in Sarah Rees Brennan quotes.
