An average English word is four letters and a half. By hard, honest labor I've dug all the large words out of my vocabulary and shaved it down till the average is three and a half... I never write metropolis for seven cents, because I can get the same money for city. I never write policeman, because I can get the same price for cop.... I never write valetudinarian at all, for not even hunger and wretchedness can humble me to the point where I will do a word like that for seven cents; I wouldn't do it for fifteen.

Summary

This quote conveys the idea of prioritizing simplicity and efficiency in writing. The speaker explains that they have willingly removed large and complex words from their vocabulary in order to streamline their work. They humorously suggest that there is no need to use cumbersome words when shorter, more easily understood alternatives exist. The speaker emphasizes that no amount of hardship would persuade them to use excessively long or unfamiliar words for little financial gain, highlighting their commitment to clarity and practicality in their writing.

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