Hi... He had that "kick-ass-and-take-names" look. Are both the quotes and hyphens overkill for the modifier above? Or is it acceptable? ...not sure whether just hyphens or just quotes should be used... Ex. He had that kick-ass-and-take-names look. ---> look OK? He had that "kick ass and take names" look. ---> look OK? Thanks for your time. Seth
I find the second option more pleasing to read, the hyphens seem a bit excessive and kinda gaudy. But it is your story so you do what you want, that is just my opinion and that should not sway you one way or another.
I would definitely use one or the other -- not both. Personally, I'd use the hyphens because that's just more my style. But both work. Use whichever one fits you best.