How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Once again that sad and winsome look came into the BFG’s eyes. “Words,” he said. “is oh such a twitch-tickling problem to me all my life. So you must simply try to be patient and stop squibbling. As I am telling you before, I know exactly what words I am wanting to say, but somehow or other they is always getting squiff-squiddled around.” (8.43)
In the BFG’s mind, he is speaking perfect English. It just comes out wrong. We’d feel bad for him if we didn’t enjoy getting a bit squiff-squiddled from time to time.
Quote #5
“I think you speak beautifully,” Sophie said.
“You do?” cried the BFG, suddenly brightening. “You really do?”
“Simply beautifully,” Sophie repeated.
“Well, that is the nicest present anybody is ever giving me in my whole life!” cried the BFG. “Are you sure you is not twiddling my leg?”
“Of course not,” Sophie said. “I just love the way you talk.”
“How wondercrump!” cried the BFG, still beaming. “How whoopsey-splunkers! How absolutely squiffling! I is all of a stutter.” (8.46-51)
If you weren’t sure how important speech is to the BFG, this should clue you in. One of his greatest desires is to speak well, and he’s got the whoopsey-splunkers to prove it.
Quote #6
The Bloodbottler pointed a finger as large as a tree-trunk at the BFG. “Runty little scumscrewer!” he shouted. “Piffling little swishfiggler! Squimpy little bottle-wart! Prunty little pogswizzler! I is now going to search the primroses.” (9.10)
Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words just make us burst into uncontrollable giggles. At least the way the giants toss insults at each other. On top of giving you some great new names to call your little brother (you know, in a nice way), the Bloodbottler’s insults show us that the BFG is not alone in his funny speech. All the giants speak this way.