Killick was a cross-grained bastard, who supposed that if he sprinkled his discourse with a good many sirs, the words in between did not signify:
In Patrick O'Brian's "HMS Surprise," Killick is portrayed as a difficult and cantankerous character. His demeanor suggests a man who believes that using formalities, such as frequent addresses of "sir," can mask the true meaning of his words. This implies his tendency to speak without sincerity, focusing more on his manner of speech than on the substance of what he is saying.
This characterization of Killick highlights a deeper commentary on social interactions, where appearances can sometimes overshadow genuine communication. The way Killick chooses to express himself indicates a lack of authenticity, illustrating how some individuals might prefer to hide behind formalities rather than convey meaningful dialogue.
