performative utterance
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Contents |
[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
Coined by philosopher J. L. Austin (1911-1960).
[edit] Noun
performative utterance (plural performative utterances)
- (philosophy, linguistics) A sentence or other linguistic expression which, when expressed in an appropriate context, actually does or accomplishes something.
- Famous examples of performative utterances are "I now pronounce you husband and wife" (when uttered by the authorized officiator during a marriage ceremony) or "You're fired!" (when exclaimed by an employer terminating a person's employment).
[edit] References
- "performative utterance" in FOLDOP - Free On-Line Dictionary Of Philosophy.
- "performative utterance" in A Dictionary of Philosophical Terms and Names © 1997-2002 Garth Kemerling.
