I hope my tongue in prune juice smothers, If I belittle dogs and mothers.

Ogden Nash’s quote, "I hope my tongue in prune juice smothers, If I belittle dogs and mothers," reflects his signature style of humor and playful wordplay. Known for his witty, often lighthearted poetry, Nash uses this line to express a humorous self-punishment for making any negative remarks about two things that are widely considered to be beloved: dogs and mothers. The phrase "my tongue in prune juice smothers" is a playful and exaggerated way of saying that if he were to ever belittle or insult these figures, he would deserve a fitting, unpleasant consequence, as prune juice is often associated with an unpleasant taste or experience.

The quote also showcases Nash’s love for using absurdity and humor to deliver moral or personal reflections. By expressing his "hope" for such an extreme consequence, Nash underscores the sacredness and importance of both dogs and mothers in society, suggesting that they should never be belittled or disrespected. His use of prune juice as the "punishment" adds an element of absurdity, which is typical of Nash's approach to tackling serious themes with humor.

Nash’s poetic style often involved quirky and humorous exaggerations to address social and cultural issues in a light and engaging way. Through this quote, he not only entertains but also emphasizes the universal respect that mothers and dogs deserve, as well as the idea that mocking them would be a grave mistake, deserving of an uncomfortable fate. Nash’s cleverness in using humor to teach respect is part of what made his poetry memorable.

In essence, this quote is a humorous reminder of the respect due to mothers and dogs, expressed through Nash’s characteristic use of wit and exaggerated consequences. His playful tone makes the message lighthearted, but the underlying sentiment is clear: some things—like dogs and mothers—should never be demeaned or belittled.