There are several catch phrases or semi-famous quotes that I sometimes call into service because they are, well, serviceable for the moment at hand. I rarely ever give credit for said quote, usually because it’s awkward to do so in casual conversation. So is it wrong to use somebody else’s quote without giving credit? My feeling is that just because I don’t credit somebody with the witty remark, that doesn’t automatically mean that I made it up myself, although you are free to assume so
How about something like this, for the phrase
Is it okay for me use this phrase & omit credit, if I proceed thusly:
On first usage: “Like my good friend Cecil Adams once said, if ignorance were cornflakes, you’d be General Mills”.
On second usage: “Like I once said, if ignorance were cornflakes, you’d be General Mills”.
On third usage: “Like I always say, if ignorance were cornflakes, you’d be General Mills”.
I figure that, after I’ve used the phrase three or more times, it does become “something I always say”. So is it wrong to stop giving credit to my good friend, Cecil Adams?