He looks as though he's been weaned on a pickle.

In this quote, Alice Roosevelt Longworth uses a vivid and humorous image to describe someone's unpleasant or sour demeanor. The phrase "he looks as though he's been weaned on a pickle" suggests that the person in question has a frowny or irritable appearance, as if their character or personality has been shaped by something bitter or sharp, like a pickle. The comparison implies that the individual seems perpetually displeased or stern, much like the sour taste of a pickle.

Longworth’s choice of the word "weaned" also adds a layer of humor, implying that this person has been raised in an environment where bitterness or discomfort is the norm. It suggests that their sourness is not just an occasional reaction, but an ingrained part of their character, much like a child being weaned onto a particular type of food. This type of exaggerated metaphor is a hallmark of Longworth’s sharp wit and keen ability to make a pointed comment with humor.

The origin of this quote comes from Alice Roosevelt Longworth, a prominent American writer and socialite known for her sharp tongue and acerbic commentary. As the daughter of President Theodore Roosevelt, she was known for her outspoken views on politics and society. Longworth often used her biting humor to make observations about the people around her, and this quote is a perfect example of her ability to use creative metaphors to comment on people's personalities. The quote reflects her no-nonsense approach to critique, delivered with a touch of humor.