Tonputz

Tonputz is a term found mainly in German-language speculative and critical discourse. It describes a coined concept at the intersection of sound, materiality, and perception, but there is no universally accepted definition.

Etymology is uncertain. Tonputz blends Ton (sound) with Putz, a German word with various senses including plaster or daub; the combination functions as a playful neologism rather than a standard technical term.

Usage varies: in some texts, Tonputz refers to a hypothetical material or surface that emits or modulates sound upon interaction; in others, it serves as a metaphor for media interfaces whose audible properties reveal their constructed nature. In art and game design, it is used to describe an aesthetic of sonic texture and perceptual feedback.

Reception and references are scattered in niche publications and online discussions. The term has not been standardized and is often defined differently by authors. See also: sonic texture, multisensory design, timbre.