May magazines are bursting with larger-than-life political personalities. Elle magazine has Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, while the hard bodies of Men’s Journal have been pushed aside to make way for a profile of retiring Massachusetts Rep. Barney Frank.

The Democrat is best known for his acerbic wit. He is widely considered the smartest Member of Congress. He doesn’t suffer fools gladly. He doesn’t suffer fools at all.

Here are some fun Frank facts to pull out at dinner parties:

Which man changed his life?

“Pope John Paul II.”

How does he feel about campaigning?

“That it sucks. It’s the most godawful human activity that doesn’t involve physical pain. It’s high tension, and it’s boring and difficult work — begging people for money and debasing yourself. I’ve known people who claim they’ve enjoyed it, but I think they’re lying.”

How to weather a scandal?

“Deny what’s not true and admit what is.”

What characteristic is overrated?

“Patience.”

What characteristic is underrated?

“Directness.”

So, go ahead and read Frank’s profile. It won’t bite … or call you “stupid.”