Reageeringut

Reageeringut is a term in discourse analysis describing a specific type of online reply characterized by brevity and strong emotional charge, intended to redirect a discussion toward an emotional frame rather than contribute substantive content. It typically takes the form of a short exclamation, a single-sentence question, or a provocative tag that invites further reaction from others.

Usage and patterns: It often appears in social media threads and comment sections around contentious topics. Common forms include one-liner challenges, retorts framed as moral judgments, and questions that imply accusation. The effect is to boost engagement metrics and polarize participants by triggering quick, emotionally driven responses rather than careful argumentation.

Origins and terminology: The term is noted in studies of online discourse arising in Dutch-language online communities in the 2010s. It derives from the verb reageren (to react) and a suffix-like element that signals a compact, action-oriented unit of response. The concept overlaps with related ideas such as flame, trolling, and microaggressions but is distinguished by its brevity and deliberate emotional framing.

Impact and critique: Reageeringut is described as a communication tactic that can energize discussions and attract attention, while also accelerating escalation, reducing deliberation, and contributing to hostility. Researchers emphasize context-dependence and caution against generalizing its effects across platforms.

See also: flame wars, online discourse, trolling, emotional contagion, microaggression.