The purpose of all opprobrious language is, not to describe, but to hurt -- even when, like Hamlet, we make only the shadow-passes of a soliloquised combat. We call the enemy not what we think he is but what we think he would least like to be called.

Summary

This quote suggests that when using offensive language, the intention is not merely to describe someone or something, but to deliberately cause harm. It implies that even in instances where we are engaging in internal dialogue or imaginary confrontations like Hamlet's soliloquies, we choose derogatory words specifically to inflict emotional pain on our imaginary opponent. The quote highlights that the purpose of using such language is not to accurately depict reality, but to demean and offend by attacking what we believe would deeply upset the person or entity in question.

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