Quote by Oliver Wendell Holmes
People who make puns are like wanton boys that put coppers on the railroad tracks. They amuse themselves and other children, but their little trick may upset a freight train of conversation for the sake of a battered witticism.
Summary
This quote suggests that people who make puns are similar to mischievous children who place coppers on railroad tracks to create a disruption. While they may entertain themselves and others momentarily with their wordplay, their actions can derail the flow and depth of a meaningful conversation just for the sake of a shallow joke. Thus, the quote implies that puns may be fun in small doses, but they can hinder the progression of more substantial discussions.