• squaresinger@lemmy.world
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    15 hours ago

    Tbh, I hate in much more when people say “quote unquote” before starting their quote.

    It’s like writing ""Here is the quoted text.

    Unquote ends the quote. So “quote unquote” means ""Here’s an empty quote, now let me ramble on about something that is not a quote.

    • Toldry@lemmy.world
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      9 hours ago

      you’re thinking too much like a computer.

      in human speech, when “quote unquote” is used, it’s typically obvious when the quote ends from the tone and pace of what is said.

      the function of “quote unquote” is to reduce the awkwardness and increase the impact of reciting a quote by obviating the need to state the word “unquote” at the end of a quote.

      compare:

      He ended every speech with quote and carthege must be destroyed unquote

      with

      He ended each speech with quote unquote carthege must be destroyed

      Try saying both out loud. I think you’ll agree that the second form sounds less awkward and more impactful

      • squaresinger@lemmy.world
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        9 hours ago

        That’s why in most other languages (and that works in english too), if you don’t want to specifically mark the end of your quote, you just say something like “And the he said, I quote, your mom is so fat that she has her own gravitational well.”

        No need or point to put an unnecesary “end quote” marker before the beginning of your quote.

    • despoticruin@lemmy.zip
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      9 hours ago

      That’s the point though, quote to tell people it’s a quote and unquote to signal that you are using it out of context or sarcastically, thus not quoting the original sentiment. It’s correct.