"Sir John, Sir, is a very unclubable man."

In this succinct critique, Dr. Samuel Johnson inventively coins the term “unclubable” to describe Sir John Hawkins’s unsociable nature. This comment is both a humorous and a sharp observation about the dynamics of the Literary Club—a gathering of intellectuals. Although Hawkins was an original member, his inability to harmonize with the group’s social expectations led to his estrangement. Johnson’s choice of the word "unclubable" cleverly highlights Hawkins’s unsuitability for the camaraderie and shared obligations expected of club members. The term reflects not just Hawkins’s reluctance to participate in the club’s activities but also his broader disregard for the group’s social etiquette, as evidenced by his rudeness to Edmund Burke and his refusal to contribute financially. Johnson's remark encapsulates the sentiment of community and mutual respect deemed essential for such a gathering, reinforcing the idea that mere membership is insufficient without active and congenial participation.