ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-CORE-242-012 · ATLAS 251

Bon mot

A witty, concisely pointed remark whose effect arises from surprising phrasing and apt observation.

Explanation

A witty, concisely pointed remark whose effect arises from surprising phrasing and apt observation. It compresses judgement into a memorable verbal point without fully elaborating it.

Example

He has an opinion on everything, especially what he does not know.

Counterexample

Merely mentioning “Bon mot” without the described function is not a sufficient example.

Distinction

A bon mot is more situation-bound than an aphorism and need not state a general maxim.

Effect on thought and perception

It compresses judgement into a memorable verbal point without fully elaborating it.

Resonance

In the atlas, Bon mot closes 1 previously unresolved reference line(s) and opens controlled paths of thought.

Etymology

Technical core term; individual etymological review pending

Provenance

ATLAS 241 residual-case triage → profile candidate 241-A → source and neighbourhood cross-check → ATLAS 242

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Bon mot“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-CORE-242-012. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-242-012

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-CORE-242-012

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