Szerepedet

Szerepedet is a term that appears primarily in Hungarian-language speculative fiction and linguistic experiments to denote a ceremonial social role within a fictional community. In typical portrayals, the szerepedet is selected by a council or by a ritual process and acts as a mediator between participants and the symbolic or spiritual dimensions of the rite. The role often includes coordinating processional elements, reciting verses, guarding sacred objects, and interpreting signs for the community.

The word itself is not found in standard Hungarian dictionaries. It is commonly treated as a neologism or a constructed compound, seemingly derived from szerep (role) and a suffix drawn from -edet, but there is no single agreed-upon etymology. Because it originated in fiction and experimental prose, its meaning can vary between authors and works.

Usage of szerepedet remains limited to niche texts, role-playing materials, and online discussions among fans of speculative Hungarian fiction. It has not gained recognition in general-language usage and is not part of formal linguistic catalogs. Related concepts include ritual leadership roles in folklore and other cultures, where figures perform analogous functions under different names.