In the book "Worst. Person. Ever." by Douglas Coupland, the author uses a humorous and hyperbolic description to convey an unpleasant sentiment. The quote suggests that the subject in question is distasteful, likening the taste to that of a pocket calculator, which evokes a sense of coldness and inhumanity. The addition of "dried herpes juice flakes" heightens the absurdity and repulsion, painting a vividly unappealing picture.

This striking imagery serves to illustrate a larger point about the character or situation being critiqued in the narrative. Coupland's style often blends humor and sharp social commentary, inviting readers to reflect on the underlying issues while eliciting a laugh or grimace from the absurdity of the comparison.