Meaning: This quote by Joe Orton, a renowned English playwright, humorously captures the irony often associated with people who excessively concern themselves with matters of taste. Orton, known for his sharp wit and satirical approach to social conventions, used his plays to critique and ridicule the hypocrisy and pretensions of British society in the mid-20th century. In this particular quote, Orton suggests that those who are preoccupied with the concept of good taste often lack the discernment and refinement they claim to possess.

The quote implies that individuals who are overly fixated on the notion of good taste might not actually have the ability to recognize or appreciate what truly constitutes good taste. Instead, their obsession with propriety and decorum may stem from a desire to appear cultured and sophisticated, rather than from a genuine understanding of aesthetics and artistic value. By pointing out the discrepancy between professed concern for good taste and actual discernment, Orton challenges the self-righteousness of individuals who arrogantly dictate what is tasteful and what is not.

Orton's perspective on taste can be seen as a critique of the superficiality and hypocrisy that often underlie discussions of aesthetics and cultural norms. In many cases, the emphasis on good taste can be a smokescreen for elitism, snobbery, and a fear of deviating from accepted standards. By satirizing those who are quick to judge others' taste, Orton highlights the absurdity of rigidly enforcing subjective notions of propriety and elegance.

Moreover, the quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of creativity and artistic expression. Orton, as a playwright known for his provocative and controversial works, may have been making a statement about the freedom of artists to challenge conventional tastes and push boundaries. By ridiculing the arbiters of taste, Orton celebrates the rebellious spirit of artistic innovation and the subversion of established norms.

In a broader sense, the quote can also be applied to various aspects of society beyond the realm of art and culture. It can be seen as a critique of the tendency for individuals to judge and categorize others based on arbitrary standards of acceptability. Whether in matters of fashion, lifestyle choices, or personal preferences, the quote suggests that those who claim authority on matters of taste may not always possess the wisdom and insight they purport to have.

In conclusion, Joe Orton's quote serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the paradox of good taste and the individuals who claim to possess it. Through his characteristic wit and insight, Orton challenges the self-appointed arbiters of taste and invites reflection on the nature of true discernment and authenticity in matters of culture, art, and human behavior. His words remind us to question the motivations behind assertions of good taste and to embrace the diversity of individual expression and creativity.