Blank paper speech bubbles hang by fine threads from crossed wooden bars against a muted plum background.

Original artwork, not a still

Oscar Wilde

Dorothy Parker

If, with the literate, I am Impelled to try an epigram, I never seek to take the credit; We all assume Oscar said it.

Behind the line

What it means

Our interpretation.

The speaker jokes that among well-read company they sometimes attempt an epigram but never claim credit. Everyone will assume Oscar Wilde said it. The humour is self-deprecating: it praises Wilde's reputation for wit while admitting that a clever remark from anyone else will not be credited to them.

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