Source identified
Read & copy the quotation
“I like good strong words that mean something.”
- Source
- Little Women
- Date
- 1869
- Local voice
- Fictional character · Jo March
Meaning of “I like good strong words that mean something.”
Clear language is valued for carrying substance instead of decoration, especially when words are meant to guide action or understanding.
Where does it come from?
Little Women, Chapter 4, “Burdens,” Project Gutenberg #514. Jo March replies “I like good strong words that mean something” after Meg objects to Jo calling them ungrateful “wretches.” The line is fictional character dialogue about Jo’s blunt language and personality, not Alcott speaking autobiographically.
Why the local voice matters
Jo says this to Meg in Little Women while defending her preference for direct, forceful language.
