Pragmatics How words are used.

Who uses this word? Some words are only used by certain kinds of people. fiddlesticks! interj. I, who am a granny, disagree utterly with what you have just said. [Ilson:64] Daddy n. Diminutive of Dad. Used by a child of his/her father. Daddy, will you read me a story? dude n. Young man. Used by male teenagers and young men to address a friend and peer. Hey dude, what’s the haps? Popular in the 1960s and 70s.

When is this word used? Some words are only used in certain social settings. specify v. A formal word meaning to say something about a topic that is more detailed than what has been said before. The prosecuting attorney has specified the charges against the accused. specify v. To say something about a topic that is more detailed than what has been said before. usage: formal… specify v. formal To say something… Just you wait! phr. An expression used to begin a threat or prediction that something bad will happen to the person being addressed.

Where is this word used? Some words are only used in certain places. Come in. phr. An expression used when a visitor comes to your door and you want them to come into your home or office. All rise. phr. A command for everyone to stand. Used in a courtroom by the bailiff when the judge enters the room.

What does this word accomplish? Some words are used to accomplish something. shhh! interj. A word used to get someone to be quiet. Shhh! The boss wants to make an announcement. | Shhh! You’ll wake the baby. hey! interj. A word used to get someone’s attention. Hey George! Come here. You’ve got to see this. | Hey! What do you think you’re doing? I now pronounce you man and wife. phr. A formal phrase used by a minister at the end of a wedding ceremony. When he says this, the bride and groom are officially married.

Bibliography Ilson, Robert F. Towards a taxonomy of dictionary definitions. in Ilson, Robert F. (ed.) A spectrum of lexicography. Philadelphia: John Benjamins. p