Podtytuu

Podtytuu is a term used in media design to describe a secondary line of text that accompanies a main title in on-screen layouts, posters, and metadata tiles. It functions as a subtitle-like element that provides contextual information such as the release year, region, or format without altering the primary title itself.

Origin and etymology: The form appears to be a blend of the Polish under- prefix "pod" and the word "tytuł" meaning "title," though the term has circulated in online design communities beyond any single language. It is typically written as podtytuu, with occasional minor variations in spelling found in informal usage.

Usage: Podtytuu is used in film posters, streaming interfaces, and digital catalogues to present secondary information in a visually distinct line beneath the main title. Designers may apply a smaller font, lighter color, or different alignment to separate it from the main title. Benefits include clearer typographic hierarchy and quicker conveyance of non-critical data. Limitations include potential crowding on small screens and inconsistent recognition outside specialized communities.

Variants and related terms: Variants include podtytuu and occasionally podtytuuu in informal writing. It is related to, but distinct from, a kicker or deck line and to traditional subtitles and captions, which serve similar but broader purposes in different contexts.

See also: Subtitle, caption, title card, typographic hierarchy.