Original artwork, not a still
Why waste time say lot word when few word do trick?
— The Office (U.S.) ‧ 2005
Behind the line
What it means
Our interpretation.
Kevin's logic is flawless in its own way: fewer words, same result. That blend of laziness and cunning is classic Kevin Malone, and the line stands for any time a short answer would have done the job. It gets quoted as a reply to long emails and wordy meetings, often by people who have never seen the episode.
Context reviewed
In context
Spoilers for The Office (U.S.)Show the scene
The line is in the cold open of "The Incentive" (season 8, episode 2, September 2011). Kevin has started talking in clipped, stripped-down sentences, dropping articles and auxiliary verbs, and he gives his reason with this line. Andy, now the branch manager, asks him about it, says some words are needed to talk, and Kevin disregards that. The episode, written by Paul Lieberstein and directed by Charles McDougall, first aired on 29 September 2011.
Sources (2)
- The Office Wiki: The IncentiveCold openReference checked
- Wikiquote: The Office, season 8The Incentive [8.2]Reference checked
Context reviewed
