TERMPLEASE

Termplease is a coined term used in online communication to request a precise term or definition for a concept. It functions as a polite shorthand that signals the need for terminological clarification within discussions, especially in collaborative writing, teaching, and glossary-building contexts.

Origin and usage patterns

Termplease emerged in internet communities that emphasize clear terminography and glossary creation. While not tied to a formal standard, it appears as a conversational cue or tag that practitioners use to prompt contributors to supply a specific label or definition. It is commonly encountered in forums, study groups, and collaborative documents where precise terminology is essential.

Typical forms and placement

The expression can appear as a preface to a request, a dedicated tag, or an inline directive. Examples include “termplease: what is the official term for this concept?” or simply “termplease” placed at the beginning of a sentence to initiate a definitional inquiry. Variants such as “term please” or the uppercase “TERMPLEASE” are seen in some communities, often serving as stylistic or emphasis differences rather than distinct meanings.

Impact and reception

Supporters argue that termplease helps standardize requests for terminology, accelerating glossary development and reducing ambiguity. Critics caution that overuse or lack of context can alienate newcomers or reduce communicative clarity if the surrounding discussion does not provide enough background.

See also

Terminology, glossary, definitional clarity, terminography, glossary-request conventions.