Are you beginning to dislike slang, then?" said Rosamond, with mild gravity. "Only the wrong sort. All choice of words is slang. It marks a class." "There is correct English: that is not slang." "I beg your pardon: correct English is the slang of prigs who write history and essays. And the strongest slang of all is the slang of poets.
In a conversation between Rosamond and another character, they discuss the nature of language and slang. Rosamond expresses concern about the dislike of slang, highlighting that all words chosen are a form of slang that reflect social class. She insists that traditional correct English is not slang, but the other character challenges this notion. They argue that so-called 'correct English' is merely a form of slang used by intellectuals, suggesting that every use of language carries its own social implications.
The dialogue sheds light on the subjective nature of language, implying that even the most accepted forms of speech, like correct English, can be seen as exclusive or pretentious. The character emphasizes that poetic language, perhaps the most creative expression, transcends traditional boundaries, making it a unique form of slang in its own right. This interaction reflects broader themes of class and communication within society, as explored in George Eliot's "Middlemarch."
