# CLXXVI explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce.

## What happens

A brief, aphoristic chapter that condemns slang as a polluted source from which the ignorant draw, only to present themselves as original thinkers.

## Themes in this chapter

### Art and Criticism

The chapter critiques the use of slang as a debased form of expression, contrasting genuine artistry with pretentious imitation.

## Key lines

> Slang is a foul pool at which every dunce fills his bucket, and then sets up as a fountain.

Slang is a dirty pond where every fool collects water and then pretends to be a source of originality.

_The author condemns slang as a lazy, derivative form of language used by the ignorant to feign creativity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/clxxvi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters