"A gentleman is any man who wouldn't hit a woman with his hat on"

This quote by Fred Allen is an amusing way of saying that a gentleman is a guy who is considerate and polite to ladies. It suggests that a gentleman would never resort to physical violence versus a female, even if he was using a hat. The quote also implies that a gentleman is someone who knows the social conventions of correct behavior and wants to abide by them. It suggests that a gentleman is somebody who knows the power dynamics between males and females and is willing to deal with ladies with respect and generosity. The quote likewise implies that a gentleman is somebody who is aware of the repercussions of his actions and wants to take duty for them. In short, this quote is a funny way of stating that a gentleman is somebody who is considerate and considerate to ladies and is aware of the power characteristics between males and females.