Impoliteness

Impoliteness refers to speech acts that are intentionally face-threatening or disrespectful. In sociolinguistics, it is conceived as a deliberate strategy used to encode stance, power, or social distance. It differs from generic rudeness in that it is purposeful and context-dependent, often aimed at shaping relationships rather than simply expressing personal feeling.

The study of impoliteness draws on politeness theory and impoliteness theory. A common framework views impoliteness as a set of strategies that threaten the hearer's face—either negative face (the desire to be unimpeded) or positive face (the desire to be liked). These strategies can be direct, such as insults or interruptions (bald-on-record impoliteness), or indirect and playful, such as sarcasm or mock politeness, which convey disapproval while maintaining plausible deniability.

Context and culture influence what is considered acceptable impoliteness. Norms vary across languages, communities, and settings; what is tolerated among close friends may be inappropriate in formal or hierarchical contexts. Impoliteness can serve functions such as asserting status, resisting control, competing for attention, or marking solidarity within a group.

Empirical work uses discourse analysis and conversation analysis to examine how impoliteness operates in talk, text, and media. Examples include interruptions in negotiations, dismissive labels in online discussions, or direct insults in heated exchanges. Because impoliteness is highly context-dependent, its interpretation depends on hearer intention and cultural norms.