ATLAS OF LANGUAGE

AT-HAR6-0001 · ATLAS 251

Accismus

Feigned refusal of something actually desired.

Explanation

Desire and publicly displayed stance are pulled apart.

Example

Oh, this award is really unnecessary — but if you insist.

Counterexample

I do not want the award.

Effect on thought and perception

Shows how social roles conceal and indirectly signal desire.

Resonance

A gesture retreats while keeping the desired gift in the field.

Cite this entry

Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Accismus“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-HAR6-0001. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR6-0001

https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-HAR6-0001

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