# On Familiar Style explained — Table-Talk > Chapter companion for Table-Talk by William Hazlitt. ## What happens Hazlitt argues that writing in a familiar style is more difficult than it appears, requiring precision, purity, and a careful selection of the best common words rather than pompous or vulgar language. He criticizes Dr. Johnson's style for its lack of discrimination and reliance on Latinisms, and discusses the importance of using words that are common yet not debased. He praises Charles Lamb's imitation of old English style, particularly his essay on Mrs. Battle's Opinions on Whist, and contrasts the familiar style with the florid, empty style that relies on grandiose but meaningless phrases. ## Themes in this chapter ### Criticism and Critical Practice Hazlitt critiques the styles of Dr. Johnson and others, advocating for a precise, natural style and evaluating the merits of familiar versus florid writing. ### The Nature of Learning and Pedantry The essay distinguishes between genuine learning shown through precise, common language and pedantry that relies on obscure or pompous words. ### Fame, Reputation, and Public Opinion Hazlitt discusses how writers' reputations are affected by their style, and how public opinion may be swayed by superficial grandeur rather than substance. ## Character check-ins ### William Hazlitt Author and narrator; discusses the principles of familiar style and criticizes other writers. ### Samuel Johnson Criticized for his style which uses 'tall, opaque words' and lacks discrimination. ### Charles Lamb Praised as the only imitator of old English style that Hazlitt can read with pleasure; his essay on Mrs. Battle's Opinions on Whist is highlighted. ### William Cobbett Mentioned for his view that the first word that occurs is always the best, which Hazlitt questions. ## Key lines > It is not easy to write a familiar style. Many people mistake a familiar for a vulgar style, and suppose that to write without affectation is to write at random. Writing in a natural, everyday style is difficult; people often confuse it with being crude or careless. _Hazlitt opens by correcting a common misconception about familiar style._ > The reason why I object to Dr. Johnson's style is that there is no discrimination, no selection, no variety in it. Hazlitt criticizes Dr. Johnson for using the same kind of inflated language without choosing words carefully. _Hazlitt uses Johnson as a negative example of style._ > Mr. Lamb is the only imitator of old English style I can read with pleasure; and he is so thoroughly imbued with the spirit of his authors that the idea of imitation is almost done away. Charles Lamb is the only writer who successfully mimics old English style because he internalizes it so completely. _Hazlitt praises Lamb's unique ability to blend imitation with originality._ > I conceive that words are like money, not the worse for being common, but that it is the stamp of custom alone that gives them circulation or value. Common words are valuable because they are widely understood and accepted through usage. _Hazlitt uses a metaphor to argue for the worth of everyday language._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters/volume-ii-on-familiar-style - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/table_talk_se/chapters