There ought to be a word. Perhaps there is - a word or phrase for a description that tell us one thing if used to describe other people, and another thing entirely if applied to oneself. Consider, for example, the old rule about "gentleman" (or "lady") - no gentleman ever refers to himself as such. Same for "honest". No honest man feels the need to proclaim his integrity. (I forget who originated the old quip about counting your silver after the departure of a guest who has told you what an honest man he is.)

I was browsing about earlier and came upon another phrase that I've long thought should be added to this category - "lover of truth". Noble praise when bestowed by another, and a disposition we all hope to maintain, despite our wonted, human, self-delusion - but signifying what when publicly bestowed on oneself? Not, that I have seen, any greater passion for truth than the next decent fellow's. Like the previous examples, the action marks a fatuous self-regard (with that quality's usual concomitant, boorishness, in varying degrees). Unlike the previous examples, it contains an implicit ad hominem: "You, sir, are an intellectual coward."

Anyone have a pithy phrase to describe such words? Or other examples of words that when used by others as self-descriptors scream "Run away! Run away!" to the wary interlocuter?

Posted by Moira Breen at January 30, 2004 04:38 PM