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You don’t need decorated words to make yer meanin’ clear. Say it plain, and save some breath for breathin’.

You don’t need decorated words to make yer meanin’ clear. Say it plain, and save some breath for breathin’.
Traditional

Historical period not yet established

Meaning in plain English

Plain words preferred to decorated ones value clarity over verbal display. Saving breath adds a humorous economy image.

What the words are saying

The contrast encourages understandable expression rather than banning style, poetry or detailed explanation. A useful application asks what the audience needs and whether the words serve it. Concision alone does not establish truth or insight, and accessible communication can require extra context.

Everyday example

Someone replaces an unnecessarily elaborate explanation with clear wording that still preserves the needed detail.

When to use it

Use it to discuss clarity with audience and necessary context considered.

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What it does not mean

No universal ban on expressive language or guarantee that shorter wording is more accurate is established.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.

Attribution & collection notes
Author or tradition
Traditional
Attribution: traditional
Country attributed

United States


A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin.
Historical period
Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates.
Recorded source
Contributor-provided wisdom reference (2014 AD)

Supplied reference B; unit 127; PDF page 18; collection label: United States

A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.

Culture
United States