Cenionym

Cenionym is a term used in linguistics and semiotics to denote a referential device that names or describes a person or entity while withholding its actual proper name. Cenionyms function as anonymized placeholders in discourse, enabling reference without disclosure.

Origin and scope: The term cenionym was proposed in modern scholarly discussions as the counterpart to onym, with cen- indicating concealment or censorship and -nym indicating "name." It is not part of standard philology and is used primarily in theoretical, privacy, or literary analysis contexts. Cross-linguistic realizations vary.

Characteristics: Cenionyms rely on contextual cues to identify referents, such as occupational role (the minister), demographic category (the activist), or coded labels (C-12). They can be used in reporting, fiction, or data-collection to reduce identification risk or to critique naming practices.

Comparison: Distinct from pseudonyms, which replace a name with a fictitious but stable alias; cenionyms intentionally obscure identity within the discourse and may be opaque to readers without extra-textual information. They are also different from pronouns, which rely on discourse context rather than a designated referential device.

Examples: In a leaked memo, the cenionym "the official" or "the senior official" is used. In a research dataset, individuals are marked as Cenionym A, Cenionym B to protect privacy.

References and reception: The concept remains mainly theoretical; debates address clarity, bias, and interpretive burden. Some scholars view cenionyms as useful privacy-preserving tools; others caution they may hinder accountability or analysis.