He detested people who showed off their cleverness in glib phrases, and believed that only a nincompoop could indulge in such petty tricks of speech just to get a laugh from the ladies.

• 他恨这种卖弄小聪明的俏皮话，他以为最无聊的人方才想用这种口舌上的小戏法来博取女人们的粲笑。