suffer fools gladly

[jjf2003]

I've always wondered what to 'he / she doesn't suffer fools gladly' means. As far as I can make out, the sort of person who 'doesn't suffer fools gladly' is impatient and intolerant towards other people, or takes advantage of people with a more gentle character. Yet I've seen the phrase used (eg by Barry Norman, writing about Miranda Richardson) in a way that seems to be meant to be complimentary , as if someone who 'doesn't suffer fools gladly' is to be admired for this. Have I got it wrong?

[rinkytink]

I think that this article should give you an idea:

http://www.robertfulford.com/SufferFools.html

I personally think that it depends on how/why/who/when you say it, as the article suggests.

[suecoo]

Well I always thought that it meant that the person want tolerate any stupid behaviour from people

[firefly]

Usually it's not just stupid behaviour or foolish people. Usually it's a euphamism for being a pain in the neck.